Sedona, AZ: Swing into the holiday spirit with this wonderful chocolate cookie recipe. Going a little over the top with a decadent chocolate treat may be a delicious answer for the holidays. Make some for yourself and wrap up a few for others as a great, thoughtful gift. Make the gift pretty and festive by decorating the plate with a bow in holiday reds and greens. This delicious gift is a wonderful way to save a few dollars on gifts and warm the hearts of those you care about.
Many years ago I lived in New Mexico way out in the country in a tiny town. I spent close to a month baking incredible amazing cookies that were too beautiful to eat. On Christmas Eve with the snow falling neighbors visited neighbors with gifts of homemade holiday treats. The gifts, all decorated by hand and full of warmth and holiday cheer, were tagged "From our kitchen to yours!" The smell of something homemade filling the air with sweetness truly makes home special.
Here is a sweet recipe:
16 ounces semi sweet organic chocolate chips or your favorite chocolate chips
2 cups of your favorite nuts: walnuts, pecans, raw cashews and macadamia nuts are delicious favorites combined or choose what you like best
1/4 cup chopped golden raisins
2 teaspoons organic vanilla extract
Or 1/2 teaspoon rum and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soft organic butter
2 organic eggs room temperature
1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder-non aluminum
Let oven warm up to 350 degrees while mixing all the above ingredients together. Chop up the nuts but let them be coarse. Beat the eggs but "Don't Be Cruel" (couldn't resist - got Elvis on my mind) and add vanilla and rum and then whip in the soft butter. Add just a pinch of salt.
Add the brown sugar and hand whisk until smooth. (You may want to sing" Brown Sugar," the rock 'n roll song by Mick Jagger.) I believe that singing over the food always increases its good taste! Sift together the baking powder and flour in a separate bowl first and then add to the wet mixture. Mix in the nuts and raisins and chocolate chips.
Drop on an un-greased cookie sheet by the tablespoon 2-3 inches apart. Place in the middle rack of the oven for 10-12 minutes. You can actually smell when they are done. For a crisper cookie leave a few extra minutes. Elevation always effects your cooking. Above 8000 feet add and extra tablespoon of flour in the recipe. Let cool three to five minutes and gently remove from cookie sheet. The recipe should make two dozen or more great holiday cookies.
Warning: If planning on gifting these cookies do not eat! Too good to sample just one!
Blessings are sent to you through the Holidays!
For more information about Angel Lightfeather visit www.AngelsAngelsAngels.org.
Article courtesy of Angel Lightfeather.
Posted December 19, 2008.
