Chocolate Chip Day 2011

By Diane Forrest

For me, I can't think of any better food than chocolate!  Seems like just one little bite will automatically make me feel better, calmer, and happier.  Now of course I’m sure this is all just in my mind, but be that as it may, I still love chocolate!

In preparing for this article I decided to do a little more research about the effects that chocolate has on the body.  Recently, dark chocolate has been given credit for helping to reduce cholesterol.  A big plus right there!  In fact it helps with circulation and blood pressure too.  Other studies suggest that it is also effective as a brain stimulator, cough suppressor, and antidiarrheal.  These properties are still under investigation, but who wouldn't want to participate in these studies??

Someone has already eaten one!

One of the most fascinating fact I discovered is that indicated that melting chocolate in one's mouth produced an increase in brain activity and heart rate that was more intense than that associated with passionate kissing, and also lasted four times as long after the activity had ended.  I'll buy that!

This is why one of my favorite cookies is the chocolate chip cookie.  Of course after all my investigative work I just had to whip up a batch.  I had to hurry up and take a picture before they were all gone.  Now while I absolutely love chocolate, my cookies are a little different.  I love the way the chocolate mingles with the cookie, so I don’t want to overpower the cookie with too much.  I only use half a bag of chips when I make my cookies.  That way it’s a perfect combination of cookie and chocolate, and I can make twice as many with just 1 bag. 

Here is my recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies:

2 sticks butter at room temp
2 eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar packed ( I usually just put 1 cup brown sugar unpacked)
1 tsp vanilla

Cream these all together.  Then add
2 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Mix these together then slowly add to the creamed mixture (if you just dump it all in, the mixer will sling flour all over the kitchen, that’s why you just add a little at a time).  When mixed well, add 1 cup chopped pecans and half a bag of chocolate chips.

Bake at 375 for 10 to 12 minutes or until brown.  Let cool, then add 1 cup milk or 1 cup coffee and enjoy!

A nice batch of chocolate chip cookies also make a great gift for a sick friend or college student, so while you may not want to part with them, share with someone you know and put a smiley face on somebody else too!