Cookies and Contests...

What better way to honor somebody on their birthday than by dedicating a blog post to them? Really, there is no better way!

Today is Michele’s birthday. If you don’t know who Michele is, you will, she will be doing some guest blogging in the near future (how’s that for a tease?).

So in honor of Michele, and her love of chocolate, we are posting an amazing cookie recipe that comes from, of all people, Martha Stewart…although, we’ve changed it up a bit (because, really, we want to be better than Martha! Some might even argue that we ARE better than Martha… who are we to disagree?).

Be ready to break out the milk, because these cookies are truly intense with chocolate flavor!


Double Chocolate Cookies:

8 oz semisweet chocolate chips
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package milk chocolate chips (we used mini Hershey kisses)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat chopped chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until almost melted; do not overheat.

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In (yet) another bowl, mix eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Mix in melted chocolate. Mix in flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chunks.

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough 2 to 3 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are shiny and crackly yet soft in centers, 12 to 15 minutes.

Cool on sheets 10 minutes; with a thin metal spatula, transfer to racks to cool completely.

If you want to see Martha’s original recipe, because you’re into her for some strange reason, go to the following link: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/deliciously-outrageous-chocolate-cookies



And for those who have read until the very end, you’re in for a treat! We are hosting our very first (but hopefully not last) contest. It’s easy. We want your questions -- questions about recipes, kitchen gadgets, food processes, in fact we’ll take any question that’s even semi food-related. The winning question will be featured – and answered – on September 30. Please have your submissions to us by 11:59 pm on Saturday, September 26.

And the prize you ask? Check back on Sunday and we’ll let you know.

Please send your questions to theculinarycreative@gmail.com and make sure you include your name, so we know who you are! Thanks and good luck!