Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever eaten!  Can you say lots of chocolate and nuts?   This recipe is super easy because it starts with a package of Betty Crocker's Double Chocolate Chunk cookie mix, but you don't follow the recipe on the back on the package.  Use the following recipe instead and if you are a chocolate fan, you're going to say they are your favorite cookies too! 

Ingredients

1 package Double Chocolate Chunk cookie mix

1 stick butter

2 eggs

2 T. vanilla

2 c. dark chocolate chips

1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Directions

Soften the butter to room temperature.  Place the butter into a large mixing bowl and add the eggs and vanilla. Combine together and then fold in the cookie mix.  Once the batter is mixed, add the extra chocolate chips and the walnuts.  Remember to gently fold it all together to avoid breaking the chips and the nuts. 

Important:  refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.  This will prevent your cookies from going flat. The cookies below were made from the same batch, but you can see how the cookie on the left was not refrigerated to the correct temperature before baking.  Same great taste, but the appearance isn't perfect. I suggest chilling, rolling the dough into balls and then allowing the balls to chill again before baking. It seems a bit fussy, but the results are well worth the wait! 

Bake at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes.  Do not overbake.   

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Simple! Easy! Delicious!  We all love those little packages of taco seasoning mixes.  They are so convenient, but you can save money and avoid the unhealthy ingredients in these mixes by making your own.  It only takes a few minutes and the taste is well worth it.  You probably already have everything you need too.   

Ingredients

2 T.     chili powder

1 T.     chopped onion (dried)

1/2 T.  ground cumin

1/2 T.  oregano 

1/2 T.  onion powder

1/2 T.  garlic powder

1 t.      chipotle chili powder

1 t.      smoked paprika

1/2 t.   red chili pepper flakes

Measure the ingredients and place into a bowl.  Mix together, place into an empty spice bottle and label.  Use 3 1/2 T. per pound of ground meat.  ENJOY!!!

Chicken Piccata Made Easy

Super-Bowls #1

Chicken Piccata

Super easy and a very delicious meal!  If you are looking for a new recipe that your family will love, this is it!  The ingredients are simple, but the results are amazing! For years we just grilled chicken, added a few sides and called it dinner.  Now I know how important it is to search for good recipes and give them a try.  I learned another thing; not only can I cook, I'm good at it!  A good recipe is key!  

Ingredients

3 boneless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise to make 6 thin chicken cutlets

1 c. Italian bread crumbs

2 eggs, beaten

3T butter

2 lemons

2 c. chicken broth

2 jars capers (rinsed)

1 box whole wheat angel hair pasta

Parmesan cheese (grated)

Fresh parsley (chopped)

Directions: 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook the pasta. 

Place the butter into a skillet and heat on medium/high. Dip the cutlets into the beaten egg and then dredge the cutlet into the bread crumbs.  Pat the bread crumbs onto each cutlet, so they are really coated.  Place into the skillet and cook for 4 minutes.  Turn the cutlets over and cook another 4 minutes. Remove the cutlets to a plate and cover with foil.  

Add the chicken broth, lemon juice and capers to the skillet.  Stir and scrape all the brown bits from the skillet into the sauce.  Bring the sauce to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. 

Serve the pasta with a cutlet and some sauce. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley and fresh grated parmesan cheese. 

Serves 6