Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is the tried and true recipe from 10th grade cooking class (thanks again Mrs. Hawks). It has been modified over the years to become our all time favorite cookie. This recipe has been asked for more than any other cookie which is why it is surprising that I am just finally putting it on this blog. Don't be afraid to mix things up a bit and add everything from butterscotch chips and almonds to craisens and white chocolate chips. And if you have a hankering for the plain and simple just leave out the chips and nuts all together..We call them Not-Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Nan's All-Time Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

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1/2 cup real butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

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Cream together and then add

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2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond extract

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Mix well until very creamy then mix in

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1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

3 cups flour

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When completely mixed in add

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1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup chopped pecans

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Roll into TBS size balls and place on baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or until edges are light brown.

Dinner Rolls

Here is an easy roll recipe that I have used for years. I usually substitute half the white flour for wheat for a great wheat dinner roll. It makes a large batch but don't be shy and wait for a housefull, these freeze very well and are great for sandwiches.


Dinner Rolls

3 1/4 cups hot water (120-125 degrees)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup oil
3 1/2 TBS yeast

Mix ingredients and let sit for 5 minutes

2 tsp salt
2 eggs
9 - 10 1/2 cups flour

Mix in remaining ingredients adding flour until dough starts pulling away from side of bowl. Let rise until double. Punch down and kneed slightly then shape into rolls and rise additional time until double on pans. Bake 350 degrees 10-12 minutes or until golden on top.

Any Special Requests?

Recently I have had a few people e-mail me for special requests on this recipe blog. If you have tasted of the goodness that comes from my kitchen and have a hankering for it cooking in your own home, drop me a comment at the bottom of the most recent recipe and I will be sure to get your want to have recipe on here. Thanks for the fun e-mails and happy cooking!

Zucchini Cake

Here is a great way to use up all the extra zucchini the neighbors have been leaving on your doorstep. This moist melt in your mouth cake may leave you actually asking your neighbor for more.
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Zucchini Cake

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4 beaten eggs

1 cup oil

2 cups sugar

3 cups zucchini

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamin

1/2 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp cloves

1/2 tsp salt

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Preheat oven to 350. Combine the eggs, oil, sugar adn zucchini and mix well. Sift dry ingredients together in seperate bowl. Add first mixture and blend well. Pour into greased sheet cake pan and bake 20-25 minutes. Cool and frost with cream cheese frosting below.

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Cream Cheese frosting

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6 oz cream cheese

1/2 c butter

1/2 tsp canilla

1 TBS milk

4 cups powdered sugar

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Mix well and blend for at least 5 minutes. Spread on cooled cake.

Chocolate Chip Streusel Cake

Coffee Cake seems to be a little too crumbly for my taste. This recipe delivers a dense, moist cake with an amazing nutty struesel. We add chocolate chips to the cake for an extra bit of sweetness. It takes a while to bake but believe me...It's worth it.

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Chocolate Chip Streusel Cake

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Cake Mixture

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1/2 cup butter (softened)

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (softened)

1/2 cup apple sauce

1 1/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup milk

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

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Streusel Topping

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1 cup chopped almonds or pecans

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp ground cinnamin

1/3 cup butter

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Mix all ingredients until crumbly.

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In mixing bowl, cream butter cream cheese, applesauce and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour half into greased 9 inch springform pan. Sprinkle in half the streusel. Pour on remainder of cake mixture and top with remaining streusel.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. (Do not over bake) Cool 15 minutes. Carefully run knife around edges of pan to loosen. Remove sides of pan. Cool before cutting.