Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

Did you know that there was such a holiday? I am pretty sure my boys totally thought I was joking when I exclaimed "Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day". Any excuse to bake cookies is a happy day at our house!

We couldn't let this day slip by without paying tribute to this national holiday. Now, if you really know me, you know that I LOVE chocolate chip cookies. They are my all time favorite cookie/treat. Now, they just can't be any chocolate chip cookie...they have to be homemade. They also need to be warm, right out of the oven(with a glass of ice cold milk). I also like them the day after, after they have been wrapped in saran wrap. Weird , I know!!!

I am always on the hunt for the best recipes for the things our family loves. I have been searching for the best chocolate chip cookie recipe for years. That problem was solved when my darling friend, Patti showed up to a girls weekend with these.

Patti's Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 c. shortening
3/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. white sugar
2 eggs
2tsp. hot water
1tsp. vanilla
2 3/4 c. of flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1tsp. baking soda
1 pkg. chocolate chips
1 c. nuts (optional)

Add all sugar, cream together with shortening. Add eggs and beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Add hot water and vanilla, then add flour, and soda mixture. Add chips and nuts.

Drop on cookie sheet
Bake at 350* for 8 - 10 minutes.
*Don't triple batch

Raimi's Notes
- I don't ever add nuts...my kids wouldn't eat them :-).
- I always use semi sweet chocolate chips.
- I usually bake mine for 10 minutes. Do a test batch in your oven to gauge baking time.

ENJOY!!!!