Hershey C x 4

Or what we know as Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies (Hershey C x 4, or Hershey Cubed).  I realize that the title of this post seems like a math equation, far from it though.  Spending a good two years trying to find the perfect cookie recipe was almost in vain.  Practically on the brink of going crazy after countless failed batches I came across this gem one day.  Obviously enhancing it a little bit, but the majority of the recipe can be found at your local grocery store.


What do I mean by that you ask?  The recipe for the chocolate chip cookies that I love so much now came on the back of a Hershey chocolate chip bag.  It goes something like this:

INGREDIENTS:

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup chopped nuts(optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Add eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. About 5 dozen cookies.



ICE CREAM SANDWICH: Press one small scoop vanilla ice cream between two cookies. DELISH!!



*I added chopped walnuts to my batch for a kick and added a few dashes of cinnamon. I feel like pecans would be awesome as well as switching up the chocolate chips for any variety of candy (snickers, milkyway, etc.)

How do they come out looking picture perfect?  The secret is to molding the cookie dough when they are still on the pan, before you bake them.  Some people choose to use two spoons to do this, or a smaller ice cream scoop, but I just use my hands.  After all, what's good cooking without a little elbow grease?

What are some techniques that you use?  

The Beginning

I would love to say that the idea for this blog was original and that I was inspired by some cosmic realization or perhaps even an event in my life. No, the source of inspiration can be attributed to the beautiful Smartgirl Bakes; an individual with whom I am acquainted with through a good friend.

Blogging has always been an interesting concept and idea for me, especially when discussing food. After viewing Julie and Julia for the first time, I felt compelled to do something along the lines that the movie prescribed. Follow a recipe book or something...

Well, here is my feeble attempt and copy cat male version of Ms. Smartgirl Bakes blog, manned up a bit.

As long as there is food to eat, I will try my best to get those delicious tidbits to you via this blog. Thank you Michelle for the inspiration to take my recipes global.

Salud,

Michael