We are introduced, at an early age, to the sweet wondernous of a cookie. From teething cookies to soothe the swollen aching gums of incoming incisors, onto animal crackers purchased in rectangular-shaped boxes bearing a string handle for easy toting by little fingers. Deciding which part of the animal should be eaten first-the trunk of the elephant or the tail of a lion-depended on how hungry one was. Savor each and every one or simply gobble them down as fast as possible.

My next cookie memory would be the ever famous, possibly all-time favorite, the chocolate chip cookie. There is nothing better than to bite into a round circle of baked dough sprinkled with gooey melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. A chocolate chip cookie can dry tears, heal broken hearts, mend scraped knees and elbows and solve sibling arguments. Most of the problems in the world could likely be solved by a properly baked, right out of the oven, chocolate chip cookie. The power of a cookie is underestimated.

I will attempt in the next 365 days to prepare and comment on a year’s worth of different cookies-one for each day. My goal is to share with others my extreme love of cookies-baking them and especially eating them! Feel free to send me your favorite recipe, your earliest cookie memories, or how cookies may have influenced your life. Cookies Rule!


Saturday, April 10, 2010

Cookie Recipe #98 - Butterscotch Squares


This is a recipe my Mom has made for years. It was always a family favorite when we went camping. I've made a few adjustments by adding some almond extract and white chocolate chips along with the chocolate ones.

Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups brown sugar, 2 sticks butter, 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional), 2 cups chocolate chips OR 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1 cups chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, macadamia, almonds).

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt brown sugar and butter in small saucepan on stove top or in microwave; allow to cool a few minutes. Place in large mixing bowl and add eggs, vanilla and almond extract; beat well. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together; add to creamed mixture, thoroughly blending. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts of choice.

Pour into a greased 10x15-inch cookie sheet or pan. Sprinkle a few chocolate and vanilla chips on top, if desired. You may also grate a little chocolate over the top before popping into the oven. Bake for at least 20 minutes or until lightly browned on top and toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean.

Remove from oven and place on cooling rack to completely cool before cutting into squares and serving to your crew. Enjoy!

Makes 18 squares.

Cookies Rule!!!

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