C is for cookie...

I don't think there is any dessert that is more classic or comforting than a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie. Few other scents can invoke such nostalgia as the smell of chocolate chippies baking in the oven.

A fresh baked cookie reminds us of Mom; of after-school snacks and bake sales, and most importantly, of home. It's one of the main reasons that real estate agents suggest that sellers bake a batch of cookies just before an open-house; it shows prospective buyers that your home is loved.

As we move away from the carefree days of summer and into the reflective mood of fall, I'm reminded of things that are comforting; my favourite sweater, my blanket, a comfy chair, a good book and of course, homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Here is my favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe. I hope it will become yours too.
Enjoy!

Sweets by Ally

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
(yields about 5 dozen 2 1/4" cookies)


Ingredients
2 1/4 cups of flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon good vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 x 12 ounce package (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips (Hershey's or Nestle Toll House)
1 cup chopped pecans (they play so nicely with chocolate chips!)

Directions
preheat oven to 375F
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside for a moment.
In a large bowl, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Beat until the mixture is creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Gradually add in the flour mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop the cookie mixture by the tablespoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until golden brown.

Reverse out!
Turn these cookies into Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookies by substituting 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder and use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

an apple a day...

It's Autumn, which means time to say goodbye to sandals and swimsuits, and say hello to sweaters, cool scarves and of course, the bounty of the harvest. What October wouldn't be complete without a trip to a local orchard for fresh pressed cider, corn mazes and of course, bushels of apples?

So, the family is heading out this weekend to go apple-picking, which means that come Monday, my kitchen will be full to the brim with the smell of apples, cinnamon and fresh pastry. To set the mood, here's a classic Autumn morning treat that's sure to fill your kitchen (and your tummy) with warm apple goodness:

Apple Cinnamon Muffins
(yields 16 small muffins)

ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chilled butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 large apple, peeled & diced
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 egg
2/3 cup milk

directions:
In a bowl, blend flour, sugar, baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in the butter until mixture is the texture of coarse meal. (Speedy hint: use a food processor!)
Measure out 1/4 cup of mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and brown sugar and set aside for the topping.
Add apple and walnuts to remaining mixture. In a separate bowl, beat egg, then add milk. Blend well. Add to flour mixture, stirring until just blended. Don't worry if the batter is thick and lumpy - it's supposed to be!
Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin cups, filling 2/3 full. Sprinkle topping lightly over batter & bake in a preheated 425F oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool, remove from pan and enjoy!

Sweets by Ally