sarahcentric

Looking at my blog entry from last week and that comfy picture of Martha’s perfect brownies, I felt a terrible pang of guilt. Since I discovered that recipe, it has become my go-to baked good for holidays, office events and last-minute sweet tooth demands. They are easy to make and utilize few dishes in my ridiculously small Queens kitchen.

But if there was a rags to riches, street movie following my meteoric rise to Queen of the Office Bakers, there would be one tough as nails gang; hanging out on a stoop, littering the corner with crumbs…reminding me where I came from.

(Sarah rushes to office with brownie-filled tupperware. Sees the old gang and quickly crosses the street hoping to avoid their taunts and jeers.)

“Ayo, Sarah!”

“Oh haha, hehe…didn’t see you guys there, just gotta get these to the Writers Meeting…”

“Oh right! You can’t SMELL us?!”

“Honestly, you guys I really don’t have time for this-”

“Oooo, you got SERVED, Sarah…your arms too weak? Can’t scoop anymore?!”

“You know what, it’s not even like that! All the ingredients, the dishes, pulling all the cookie sheets down-”

(Gang leader violently smashes old-fashioned quart of milk down on sidewalk)

“No, F— that!! How much homework did we get you through in junior high? How many episodes of Ducktales did we sit through? How many St. Stephen’s bake sales, Sarah, HOW MANY?!”

(awkward silence, girlfriend calms gang leader down )

“We just miss you, Sarah…can you take a little time off? Visit us up at the Toll House sometime?”

“Umm, sure yeah. I’d like that. Let me check my blackberry”

Bottom line…if Brownies are now and forever, a homemade Chocolate Chip cookies is What Was What is and What Shall Be.

It was the very first recipe I followed and it took me all the way to poundcakes, pies and of course the Brownie. This is not a baking blog, (I don’t think), but it didn’t feel right to make Brownie a star and leave C-Cubed out of my story.

In celebration of my roots, I’ve attached my very favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, found it on the internet a couple of years back. Use vanilla instant pudding for a deluxe version of the Toll House classic and add a teaspoon of salt. Trust me.

Chocolate Chip Cookies, I will never forget!!

INGREDIENTS:
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding
mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown.

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