White Chocolate Chip Cookies

White Chocolate Chip Cookies


I L-O-V-E white chocolate. And I'm always looking for a way to incorporate white chocolate where ever I can in a recipe. My husband is a huge milk chocolate fan so we often go with the traditional chocolate chip cookie. However, recently I came across this recipe that calls for white chocolate chips and I decided to try them out. Not only did I love them but my husband ate nearly half the batch by himself. The only warning I would give out to those who are cookie lover's as much as we is....be careful they are addicting. If you are trying to lose a few extra pounds before the Spring/Summer season begins it would not be a good idea to bake a batch and leave them sitting on the kitchen counter. You'll not be able to just have one. Perfect for entertaining, parties, and gifts. I hope y'all take the opportunity to try the recipe. They are delicious and you won't be disappointed. I'm thinking of baking a batch for Easter this year.

1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. flour
2/3 c. Hershy's cocoa
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1 pkg. vanilla chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture. Stir in nuts and white chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly brown around the edges. Cool on wire rack. Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Also, I wanted to thank Libby over at http://cookingwithlibby.blogspot.com/ for giving me an award. She has all sorts of fantastic recipes. If y'all like some Southern Cooking I suggest stopping by her blog. Thanks Libby!

Upon receiving this award I'm suppose to post 7 interesting things about me. Considering this is a cooking blog I'll keep them food related.

1.) Remember in that movie MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING when the dad used Windex for everything. I'm that way about olive oil. I use it practically in every dish. I also use it for other things besides cooking. I'm so addicted to olive oil that I carry a small glass jar with me in my purse.

2.) I love Milka. Milka is probably my greatest weakness when it comes to all brands of chocolate. My favorite is the white chocolate.

3.) My husband and I love granola bars. I have found a sweet and salty mixed nut bar that's dipped in a chocolate coating. It's so good. It's by Cascadian Farm. I never leave home without slipping a bar into my purse to help me in those emergency situations when you find yourself starving. Here's the link http://www.cascadianfarm.com/products/product_detail.aspx?cat=21&upc=0-21908-40774-6

4.) About two years ago I switched out my cooking oil and began using Coconut oil. Coconut oil has a lot of health benefits and gives a yummy flavor to bland foods. I use a virgin Coconut oil from Wholefoods. A tiny tsp. can go a long way.

5.) I went cold turkey and stopped drinking soft drinks all together. Instead I drink Canada Dry Green Tea. Oh my goodness is it delish! I feel better and even dropped a few pounds since I've stopped drinking soda. I haven't craved a soda in months. I even made a Green Tea float with vanilla ice cream. It's really good and will taste even better this summer. http://canadadry.com/#/products/greenTeaGingerAle

Grilled Salmon

GRILLED SALMON

When living in the Pacific Northwest I fell in love with salmon. I could eat Salmon every day. It's one of my favorite things to order when I'm on the West Coast. I use to go fishing on the Rogue River for Salmon and Steel head. I use to fish my grandpa in Northern California (not for from Mt. Lassen) for Rainbow Trout. I know some of you are probably shocked at the very idea of seeing me fish but I do enjoy it. I haven't been in years and I really miss it. That's probably one of the things I miss most about my childhood, fishing and camping in the mountains. I wish everyone had the experience to catch their own fish, clean it, and cook it at least once in their lifetime.

My husband grew up on the Gulf of Mexico. Two types of fish that he's use to catching are Red Snapper (another favorite) and Catfish. I'm not a big fan of catfish unless it's blackened. They are such ugly creators (Catfish). However, I do have some lovely recipes that I will begin to share on preparing Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Red Snapper, and Catfish. I'll start today with a quick and easy Salmon.

Fish is really healthy (contains a lot of Omega 3 for your heart and is considered low fat). It has even been said that fish helps improve your mood. I'm not sure if that's true or not but I seem to be happy to eat it. Pregnant and nursing mothers need to be sure to watch out for the type of fish they eat because some have high levels of mercury (can cause birth defects). You can find a list of those types of fish on the online.

Ok, so here's an easy Salmon recipe I came across last year. It's really easy and tastes great. I like to grill fish rather than cook it inside (doesn't leave that fishy smell in the house).

Ingredients

1 bunch of cilantro leaves, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped * I used about 1 tsp of garlic salt

2 cups of honey

juice from one lime

4 Salmon steaks

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together cilantro, garlic, honey, and lime juice. Heat until honey is easily stirred, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool.

2.) Place Salmon steaks in baking dish, and season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture over salmon, cover, and refrigerate 10 minutes.

3.) Preheat your grill.

4.) Lightly oil your grill grate. Cook Salmon for at least 5 minutes on each side.