Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!

 If you had of asked me six months ago where I would be today, there’s no way I could have predicted this.  I’m back in school again, this time doing a one year New Media Journalism postgrad program.  But what’s most surprising is that I’m actually enjoying it!

So I’ve been writing again, a lot, but mainly school related.  It’s inspired me to get back into blogging and sharing my cooking.  I also have aspirations to add some new forms of content to the blog.  I’m learning how to shoot and edit video at school and I’d like to try out some video posts!  I’m excited about it!

But today, I’m sticking with what I know and giving you my new favourite Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, from Chef at Home, Michael Smith.  I had the pleasure of hearing Michael Smith give a talk in Toronto a few weeks ago and I met him afterwards during his book signing.  I was thrilled to discover that he’s not only an amazing Chef, but an amazing speaker as well.  It doesn’t hurt that he’s also super nice and pretty easy on the eyes too!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, (From the book Chef Michael Smith’s Kitchen by Michael Smith)

½ cup butter at room temperature

2 cups brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 ½ cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375F.  Lightly grease a cookie sheet.

Beat the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.  Whisk in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.  Scrape down the butter bowl and gradually add the flour mix, beating just until combined.  Stir in the chocolate chips with a spoon.

Scoop out a ball of the dough, roll it briefly in your hand to an even ball, then place it on the cookie sheet.  Flatten the ball slightly. Repeat, leaving 3 or 4 inches between the balls. 

Bake for exactly 12 minutes, (test the first batch, depending on your oven and the size you make the balls, you make have to reduce this time).  Cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet, then remove and cool further on a rack.   If you overbake these cookies, they will be crispy, but baked for just the right amount of time, they’re wonderfully chewy and perfect!

Makes about 18 cookies.