Kitchen Karaoke (aka Chocolate Chip Cookies in the making)

Before we get down to business I just have to point out the rainbow that showed up a few days ago. Though faint in this picture it was beau-ti-ful! And this on my birthday. Thank you Mother Nature!

Occasionally there are those days where everything is just so completely and totally overwhelming. Whether it is good or bad, you just need to let go.

So why not enter your kitchen; turn on your favorite radio station; grab a spatula, a bowl, some eggs, butter, flour, and sugar; and belt out the lyrics along with the (probably more talented) artists. Throw the ingredients into a bowl and make some cookies. That spatula and whisk that you're using? They have multiple uses. You might not have known this until now, but they double as handy-dandy microphones. Embrace your inner superstar. How about you do a little dance while you're at it? Let out all that tension. Go ahead. Be crazy.

Now, about these cookies. I have officially started my quest to find the perfect chocolate chip cookie. The verdict on these? Not too shabby. While they are crisp around the edges they maintain a chewy center (that is taking into consideration that you don't leave them in the oven for too long...). Have I found the perfect recipe yet? Only time will tell. Until then... pour yourself a big glass of milk and chow down!

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 sticks butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon table salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg, plus 1 egg yolk
1 - 2 cups chocolate chips
3/4 cup walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine flour and baking powder in a bowl and set aside.

Put a stick of butter in a pan and heat on medium-low heat until it starts bubbling and is slightly brown. Add the remaining butter and stir until it is completely melted. Add the sugars, salt and vanilla extract and whisk together until smooth. Whisk in the egg. Let sit for a minute or two and then stir again. You want the batter to be a glossy, smooth mixture.

Stir in the flour until completely incorporated and then fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts).

Roll into little balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Flatten them out a little. (this will help them spread out and bake more evenly)

Bake for 10 - 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the bottom to be a nice light-golden brown. If the centers are slightly undercooked it's okay - this will result in chewy cookies!

Use a spatula to remove from baking sheet and put on a cooling rack to let completely cool. Serve with a glass of cold milk! Mmmm (: