weekend photos

The weekend was so good to us.  We had a much needed date night, dinner at Setebello's. Then in pictures; my happy children sitting on the steps with popsicles in hand, a sure sign of summer. Sweet little braids and getting ready for our walk to church.

 

Most importantly the weekend proved to be a success because I found my chocolate chip recipe. You know how every good mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies? Brett's mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies but I just can't make them how she does.  I have other cookie recipes I like but I've never found a chocolate chip cookie recipe that I was happy with. Well, I finally found it, the one. Of course it's a Paula Deen recipe. I love that lady. Here it is, just for you.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

adapted from Paula Deen's Three Chocolate Chip Recipe

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3   large eggs

1 3/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1   (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup milk chocolate chips

Here's the trick with cookies. It's all about how you mix them. First you have to beat the butter and shortening until they are creamy and then add the sugars. Then you have to beat them until they are good and fluffy. Then there comes the eggs and vanilla, then the rest.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. Her recipe says to drop them by the 1/4 cup and cook them for 12 minutes but I like my cookies small, Otis Spunkmire style.