Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oh man! My roommate, Courtney, and I were skeptical when we found this recipe on Cook's Illustrated, but once we tried them, we got a subscription because they are simply amazing! They are kind of tedious, but very much worth it. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
14 Tbs unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cups packed dark brown sugar (can use light)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 c semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 375 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.
2. Heat 10 Tbs butter in 10-inch skillet over med-high heat until melted. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has a nutty aroma, 1-3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer browned butter to large bowl. Stir remaining 4 Tbs butter into hot butter until completely melted.
3. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Add egg yolk and egg to mixture, whisk until smooth with no sugar lumps remaining. let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Repeat process 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth, and shiny. Using rubber spatula, or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Make cookie drops about 3 Tbs, about 8 balls per sheet. Bake 1 tray at a time 10-14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking.

I finished the Count of Monte Cristo; such a good book! Next is Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy, followed by Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.

Over the weekend, Courtney and I volunteered at the Autism Carnival. It was tons of fun! We were put in charge of the potato sack racing. It was hilarious to see everyone doing it. Best quote of the day, "I didn't know Nemo had legs! That is just creepy!" (Little boy talking to his dad about the Nemo mascot walking around).


A few weeks ago was Courtney's birthday. We had an "Open Bar," ice cream bar that is. It was tons of fun! Found out that "The Chocolate Cake" must be followed to the t or else it does not quite turn out right (see picture below). However, it still tasted like heaven!


We like to call it cake with character












Enjoying their ice cream!