Chocolately, Chewy, BEST EVER Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have been soo productive today, for a change! I talked to my brother Dan last night about my money woes and how badly I want to attend the French Pastry School. He tried to bring my thoughts/dreams down a bit to look at the situation realistically......figures. :) He suggested I look at community colleges that are more affordable, or call around to bakeries and shops I would like to work at in Los Angeles and figure out the qualifications. Well, lets just say I accomplished that task by annoying most upscale bakeries in Los Angeles for a good portion of this morning, but they offered adequate advice. Most told me to keep a portfolio of the foods I create at home, to work with fondant as that is the most popular icing in cake decorating, and to gain work experience. In fact, most bakeries and shops were not looking for schooling experience as that can make a person over-confident and unwilling to learn new techniques. I am going to look into the Los Angeles Trade Technical College and other more affordable colleges before making my decision. In the meantime, continue baking and learning my craft. YEAH!

Enough of that, now onto the good stuff....I recently called Safe Haven which is a local charity at my hometown and asked if they would except any baked goods, since I have been drowning my family in sweets for the last few days....they said they would except, most especially Thursday nights...well, it's Wed. so I have been baking up a storm. On the list for today...Mudslide Cookies from an adapted recipe from the Culinary Institute of America, my FAVORITE chocolate chip cookie recipe and some homemade bread rolls for our hamburgers tonight. :) Hope you enjoy!

Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies


1 C. (2 sticks) unsalted Butter
3/4 C. Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 C. flour
12 oz. chocolate chips, or cut up baker's chocolate chunks

handful walnuts chopped (optional)
1 tsp. browned butter
1 tsp granulated sugar

(Optional Walnuts:

Chop whole walnuts, add browned butter and sugar to bowl with walnuts, mix and place on cookie sheet. Place in 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until slightly browned. Let cool and add to dough when chips are added. )

1.) Brown 1 stick butter over med heat, whisking occasionally for 5 minutes until frothy and nutty brown.
In medium bowl, mix on medium speed, brown sugar, sugar and 1 stick butter until light and fluffy. Add Browned butter, vanilla, and one egg, beat until combined (about 1 more minute).

2.) In a separate bowl, sift together baking soda, salt, and flour. Add to the butter/sugar mixture and beat until combined (adding the flour in 3 additions works the best.)

3.) Stir in Chocolate chips and optional toasted walnuts.

4.) Refridgerate for one hour and scoops into balls onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes or checking until golden brown.
Leave on sheet for one minute, then remove cookies and place on wire rack to cool.

Dip in milk, and enjoy. :) mmmm, there is nothing as good a glass of ice cold milk and chocolate chip cookies!