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!!!!

special delivery

I love delivering handmade treats to friends & family. Years ago, all of the women in my family who were over the age of 18, would get together & have a candy making/baking day. I loved this tradition. My Grandma Shore would make lunch for us & even had cute Christmas aprons for each of us to wear (I am going to have to find those photos). Each of us would make a different treat & enough of it that each one us would go home with a plate of it. Think cookie exchange, times 10 people. This saved me from days of baking/cooking. One day in the kitchen & I had an assortment of goodies to pass out to neighbors & friends. As some of us have moved away & some of us have gotten older, the tradition has died.

My Aunt Carla would make her yummy fudge each year. It is divine. As December approaches each year, I crave her fudge & can actaully smell it. As I have shared it with friends over the years, I always get requests for the recipe. I thought I would share it on my blog for all of you to enjoy! This year, I cut my fudge into big slabs & placed them in cellophane bags with peppermints sticks. Tied it all up with a cute bow & a photo gift tag. All set to make our special deliveries.

Aunt Carla's Fudge














3 c. sugar
3/4 c. (1 1/2sticks) butter
1 small can of evaporated milk (about 2/3 c.)
1 bag of chocolate chips ( I use nestle semi sweet chips)
1 jar of JET PUFFED marshmallow Creme
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 tsp. vanilla

Line a 9 in square pan with foil, with foil ends extending over the sides of pan; set aside. Place sugar, butter, evaporated milk in a large heavy saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 4 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. remove from heat.

Add chocolate and marshmallow creme, stir until completely melted. Add walnuts and vanilla; mix well.














Pour immediately into prepared pan; spread to form even layer in pan. Let stand at room temperature 4 hours or until completely cooled.
Store in tightly covered container.

*I have never used a candy thermometer. I don't even own one :-). I just carefully time the 4 minutes! Let me know if you have a questions.

Have a Merry Christmas!