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!


Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Cookie Recipe #172 - Chocolate Clouds


Chocolate Clouds - Clouds of Chocolate - the title of this cookie says it all. Crunchy shell surrounding a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate interior will make you feel like you're walking on air.

Ingredients: 3 egg whites, 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper;set aside. In large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form(setting the bowl and beaters in the freezer for a few minutes helps the whipping process). Gradually add sugar and vanilla, beating until stiff peaks hold, sugar is dissolved and mixture is glossy. Sift cocoa onto egg white mixture; gently fold just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto prepared pans about an inch apart. Bake 35-45 minutes or just until dry. Carefully peel cookies off paper and allow to cool completely on wire racks.

Store, covered, at room temperature. Makes about 2 1/2 - 3 dozen clouds.

"Hershey's Homemade", Hershey Foods Corporation, 1991.

Cookies Rule!!!

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