 |
This week has been an exciting flurry of activity. Flurries of activity should always be immediately followed with a rest break on the couch, with some chocolate chip cookies. It’s a rule in the official rules book of life. I promise. Come to think of it, these cookies from Alice of Savory Sweet Life should have their own special section in the rule book. We’ll get back to Alice, her amazing cookies and her new book (I’m giving away two copies, folks) in a moment. First, let’s talk about that flurry of activity.
Red Faced Runners 5k Challenge
The week kicked off with a challenge…a Red Faced Runners 5k Challenge, to be exact. The response that we received was overwhelmingly positive and I am over-the-moon with reading your updates on Twitter (hashtag #RFR5k), seeing your red faced pictures on Instagram (find me with the handle cookincanuck) and hearing about your commitment to take on the challenge. And be sure to stay tuned. We have exciting updates about the Red Faced Runners (find us on Facebook) and the challenge.
California Avocados Link-Up
The recipes are rolling in for the California Avocados link-up Kristen and I are hosting. If you have some favorite avocado recipes, be sure to share them in the link-up. Did I mention there are $1600 in prizes available?
But now it’s time to get back to the task at hand…Alice and her chocolate chip cookies.
When you talk about Alice’s blog and her new book, Savory Sweet Life: 100 Simply Delicious Recipes for Every Family Occasion, you can’t just stop at the approachable, tasty recipes or the gorgeous photography. You have to talk about Alice, the person, the heart and soul behind the blog and the book. I had the opportunity to get to know Alice when we roomed together, along with Maris of In Good Taste, at the BlogHer Food conference in San Francisco a couple of years ago. My food blog was only a year and half old, and there were so many things I didn’t know (okay, there are still so many things I don’t know about blogging).
My fondest memories of that conference revolve around the hours of chit-chatting that Alice, Maris and I carried on in our room. Not only did I pick up so many tips, but I learned what an intelligent, generous person Alice is. She has a heart that knows no bounds and the passion she feels for her family flows through every inch of her veins.
This book exudes that same passion for food, for family and for life from every page. The book is broken down into sections that are “inspired by everyday life moments that occur throughout the year” and each section is prefaced by a personal story from Alice’s life. They are stories that make you want to stop what you’re doing and head straight to the kitchen to cook Alice’s recipes for your family.
Alice titles these cookies, “The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever”. And are they the best? I’ll quote my 10-year old son to answer this…”Mum, can you use this recipe every time you make chocolate chip cookies instead of your usual one?” Straight from the mouth of a discerning cookie eater. And you know what? I whole-heartedly agree. These truly are the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever made. They have crispy edges, soft insides and a touch of added flavor from the sea salt. Thank you, Alice!
The recipe:
Preheat the oven to 360 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Why 360 degrees instead of 350? As Alice explains in the book, the temperature drops slightly each time you open the oven door. To keep a consistent heat for baking the cookies, simply start the oven at a slightly higher temperature. Smart lady!
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl, using a hand mixer), combine the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
The cookies come out even better if you stick out your tongue while mixing the butter and sugars.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla and mix for an additional 2 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Turn the mixer to medium-low speed and gradually add the flour mixture. Beat until all of the flour mixture is combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Using 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie (I like to use a cookie scoop for this), drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Divide between the two prepared baking sheets.
Bake the cookies for 15 minutes (check at about 12 minutes), one batch at a time, or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. Slide the parchment paper, with the cookies on top, onto a wire rack. Cool completely. Serve.
The giveaway:
I am giving away two copies of Savory Sweet Life: 100 Simply Delicious Recipes for Every Family Occasion by Alice Currah.
To enter:
REQUIRED: Leave a comment on this post.
OPTIONAL: To earn additional entries, leave separate comments for each of the steps listed below. If you don’t leave separate comments for each step, the number generator will not count them as separate entries. If you already follow/”like” Savory Sweet Life, just let me know that in your comments.
1. Follow Savory Sweet Life on Twitter.
2. “Like” Savory Sweet Life on Facebook.
3. Follow Savory Sweet Life on Pinterest.
This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada and will be open until Friday, July 6th at 5pm PT.
The winner will be chosen using a random number generator and will be notified via email, so please make sure your email address is correct. You will have 48 hours to respond to me, or a new winner will be chosen.
Good luck!
From Savory Sweet Life: 100 Simply Delicious Recipes for Every Family Occasion, by Alice Currah
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 360 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl, using a hand mixer), combine the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla and mix for an additional 2 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Turn the mixer to medium-low speed and gradually add the flour mixture. Beat until all of the flour mixture is combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Using 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie (I like to use a cookie scoop for this), drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Divide between the two prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 15 minutes (check at about 12 minutes), one batch at a time, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. Slide the parchment paper, with the cookies on top, onto a wire rack. Cool completely. Serve.
Notes
This recipe was reprinted with the permission of HarperCollins Publishers.
|
{ 216 comments… read them below or add one }
I love ANY chocolate chip cookies, I would love this cookbook!
These look so good! And I’m intrigued by the 10 degree oven temp difference. I’ll have to try that next time!
I would love to win her cookbook! And love hearing about your running adventures.
I use the Baking Illustrated chocolate chip cookies normally but I can’t wait to try these.
Mmmm…these cookies (and Alice’s cookbook!) look amazing! And I adore the pictures of your boys. Such cute kitchen helpers!
Those cookies look amazing! And your two little helpers are awful cute, too.
I’m always looking for the perfect chocolate chip cookie!
You can never have enough chocolate chip cookie recipes, and these look great!
Looks like a great cookie and super cute helpers.
I would love love love to win a copy of the cookbook!
Love the blog….the cookbook is on my wish list….
You’re boys are too cute! These cookies look scrumptious and I hope you did get to enjoy them on the couch after what sounds like a busy week for you!!
You can never have enough chocolate chip cookie recipes!
I so love chocolate chip cookies!!! I will be making these. Thanks
I’m also a discerning cookie eater, so I’m really excited about this recipe!
I love the Savoury Sweet Life and would love the cookbook!
This cookbook looks so beautiful and I’d love to own a copy!
Love the picture of your little one sticking his tongue out. .So cute.
Great cookbook give away! Would love to win one.
Also, I’m now following on Pinterest.
My family love chocolate chip cookies best! Will give this recipe a try. Will also tell my grandson the tip for mixing butter with sugars.
Looks like a great cookbook!
These cookies look amazing, I can never resist chocolate chip!
Choco chip cookies bring back so many delicious and warming memories of childhood, of dragging the stool over to help my mom scoop them out, of getting flour all over the kitchen. Thanks for the recipe!
Following SSL on Twitter
Liked SSL on Facebook!
Following SSL on Pinterest
I never turn down chocolate chip cookies! I’m excited for this cookbook!
Just found you today! I am hooked!
Thank you, now I want cookies ^_^
I was planning on baking cookies this weekend so this recipe came to me just in the right time! I love chocolate chip cookies and so do my husband and kids, they will love this recipe!
Thank you!
Great post, who doesn’t like choc cookies?? I love Alice’s blog and just posted a recipe which has her amazingly simple but solid vanilla butter cream, it never lets me down..
I love cookies! All kinds of cookies and always with a glass of super cold millk. Those boys are just the cutest!
Following SavorySweetLife on Twitter.
Sounds like an awesome cookbook that every kitchen should have one. Chocolate chip cookies are always perfect….totally my kind of comfort food.
Oooh this post has got me craving cookies!! I’ll definitely give this recipe a try myself.
Now following Savory Sweet Life on Twitter.
And like Savory Sweet Life on Facebook!
Following SSL on Pinterest as well.
I love looking at life as a series of occasions.
LOVE choc chip cookies..thanks for the giveaway!!!
I follow Savory Sweet Life on FB!
I’d love to win this cookbook!
I already “like” SSL on FB!
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to see the cookbook!!
OMG!! The cookies look amazing!! I would LOVE to win this cookbook!!!!
I can smell them now…
Thank you for the recipe!
I already like Savory Sweet Life on FB
And I already follow SSL on Pinterest
Chocolate chip cookies are my very favorite sweet treat. Thanks for the giveaway!
I am going to go make these cookies now!
I liked SSL on FB
I follow SSL on Pinterest now
I get your emails.
This cookbook looks wonderful!
Following Savory Sweet Life on Twitter.
I liked Savory Sweet Life on Fb.
Following Savory Sweet Life on Pinterest.
I am going to make these cookies just as soon as my 3-yr old wakes up. (He LOVES to help me bake!) I am also off to order the book!
Thanks!
Sounds like a great new cookbook!
Another excuse to indulge in chocolate chips!
There’s nothing like a super-de-dooper chocolate chip cookie-and these look DELICIOUS. Thank you Alice and Dara-for the recipe AND the giveaway!
Oh….yum! She is magical. Everything that I have baked from her site turns out to be a new fav!
I would LOVE a copy of the cookbook. (and love that Canadians can enter – thank you!) Have a great Friday Dara!!!
And I follow her on Twitter as @camomus (so glad I found HonestToddler through her Twitter feed!)
And I follow on Pinterest
Cookies are my favorite thing to bake.
I follow Savory Sweet Life on Twitter.
I like Savory Sweet Life on Facebook.
I follow Savory Sweet Life on Pinterest.
I think its time to make these cookies again soon!
These look wonderful. Want to get your cookbook.
Oh, do those ever look GOOD! Would love that cookbook.
I like Sweet Savory Life on Facebook
I’ve been hearing so much about this cook book lately! I’d love to have a copy of my own.
I like SavorySweetLife on twitter (as @Floptimism)!
I also like it on FB (as Floptimism)
And I follow several of Alice’s boards on Pinterest (also as Floptimism)
I am going to try this recipe soon! Maybe for the 4th of July. I would love to win this cookbook. Thanks for the great giveaway!
I liked Savory Sweet Life on Facebook.
I am following Savory Sweet Life on Pinterest.
I am a cookbook hoarder! Would love to add this one to the collection
I’m following on pinterest
These cookies look unreal – I want this book!
I like Savory Sweet Life on Facebook.
I’m following SSL on pinterest
I have “like”d Savory Sweet Life for months! Wish there was a LOVE button!!!!
I follow SSL on twitter – @katrinadingle
I thought that I found my very favorite chocolate chip cookie, but I will be happy to give this one a chance tonight! I always add 5-10 degrees on my gas oven. I thought it was just my oven that was not consistant, so I’m glad to know it’s not. Thanks for the giveaway!
I like Savory Sweet Life on Facebook!
Love to win
I follow Savory Sweet Life on Pinterest too!
I love to try new recipes for chocolate chip cookies!
I liked Sweet Savory Life on Facebook.
I follow Sweet Savory Life on Pinterest.
Beautiful cookbook and delish recipe! sign me up
and keep ‘em coming!
Thanks to savory sweet life for introducing me to your blog.
I already follow Alice’s Savory Sweet Life on Facebook.
I’m inspired by each one of you running. I hope to someday get back into it… it’s on my mind believe me!
I’ll take one of these cookies while pondering when that day will be.
I’ve always been defeated by chocolate chip cookie recipes. This one made me look like a rock star!
I’ve heard so many good reviews of this cookbook ~ I think these cookies just added themselves to my long weekend bake list…
I’m already a fan of sweer-savory-life on facebook as well as a big fan of yours!
I have done the chocolate chip cookie challenge…find the best one but still I find myself always trying out more and this one with the sprinkle of sea salt might be the “new fav”
Congrats on all your hard work!
Cindy
Yummm – always on the quest for a better ccc!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I’m following on Twitter!
I’m following on Facebook!
I’m following on Pinterest!
these look delicious!
Love that tongue photo! Classic.
Great looking cookies.
C.
I’d love to check this book out, it looks great!
Following on Twitter
Those look yummy!
Following on pinterest!
Following both of you on Pinterest
I’m making these for our Glacier Nat’l Park camping trip…the rangers are going to love us ; )
I wish I had cute helpers in my kitchen like yours!
CCC are my fave! will have to give this recipe a try
i like sweet savory life on fbook!
i follow on pinterest!
Would love to win a copy of the cookbook….and these cookies look amazing!!
I just recently learned of “Savory Sweet Life,” (I now follow SSL on Twitter and Facebook) and I’d love to win a copy!!
Awesome giveaway. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Thank you.
Thanks for the cookie recipe. I’m going to try the 360 degree trick.
this book is on my wish list… i hope i win. thanks for the chance
love these! I would love to have this
i Follow Savory Sweet Life on Twitter.
I follow you on twitter, Facebook and pinterest
i “Like” Savory Sweet Life on Facebook.
I also would love to be able to have a copy of this book.
Love chocolate chip cookies & would love to get this cookbook!
I love to try all chocolate chip cookie recipes. This one goes on the list.
Love Savory Sweet Life!
Followed SSL on Facebook
Followed on Twitter!
Followed SSL on Pimterest
love the kids pics and family orentied experience
I would love to win this book
I follow on twitter
That face with the tongue. I get it, buddy, I get it.
Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite. So is kettle corn. Alice Currah is the best!
I follow Savory Sweet Life on Twitter.
I “Like” Savory Sweet Life on Facebook.
i’m always on the look out for the best chocolate chip cookies ever so I’m baking theses tomorrow, even if it’s 95 degrees out.
Love chocolate chip cookies! Great to have your boys help you out!
Follow Savory Sweet Life on Twitter
Follow Savory Sweet Life on FB
yumyum!
Oh heavens, I love cookies!!!
Must try this recipe as I think mine is pretty good….would love this cookbook!
i’m thinking chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches sounds pretty good for a treat tonight!
I have been partial to the NYT chocolate chip cookie recipe but now I am curious. I am going to have to try these next!
follow SSL on twitter @saramama
follow SSL on pinterest @saramama
Great blog, great recipe, great giveaway…. PRICELESS tongue photograph! Love it!
Yay…. I could use a New Cookbook (Especially this one)!!
Love the shots in this post Dara. Your boys are too cute!
that little tongue sticking out..adorable!
i follow her on twitter
and i follow her on pinterest
Thank you Darla, you are very generous. I would love to win this cookbook. I don’t enter every giveaway, just the ones that really appeal to me.
Those look fantastic!
I love to cook but especially bake. Would love to win this cookbook.
Sounds delicious! Yum!!!
I have found that I can use just one stick of butter and my chocolate chip cookies still come out great!
My mouth is watering…I can hardly wait to make this yummy-looking cookie. Thanks for the chance to win!
I follow you on Pinterest.
I follow you on twitter
Love to win this book Dara!
Made these cookies today with my kids. They loved them. Thanks for the recipe.
recipe looks great…can’t wait to try em!
Oh how I LOVE chocolate chip cookies! These look yummy!
I follow SSL on twitter
I like SSL on Facebook
I follow SSL on Pinterest
Wish it wasn’t so hot here so I could turn the oven on and make these cookie!
The first I heard of these cookies was at FBF, Diane (WoR) mentioned them & I’ve been intrigued since! I wan to win!
Nothing like a great chocolate chip cookie!
I follow Savory Sweet Life on Twitter
I follow Savory Sweet Life on FB .
I like SSL on FB .
I follow SSL on Pinterest.
How tempting! Can’t wait to try these out along with other recipes from Savory Sweet Life! Thank you for sharing!!
Liked Savory Sweet Life on Facebook.
Copied the recipe. Thanks for the great giveaway.
That cookbook looks amazing and those cookies look like they are going to get made for the 4th of July.
I’m dying to flip through the pages of this book!
I’m following Savory Sweet Life on Twitter!
I like Savory Sweet Life on Facebook!
I’m following Savory Sweet Life’s boards on Pinterest!
cant wait to make some! yum!
I’ve made Alice’s cookies and can attest to their goodness…they still had a bit too much bas relief for my taste but then…every cookie I make in Colorado looks different from any cookie anyone makes!
I’ve discovered that all of the other configurations I’ve tried with leavening and moisture and…well, everything, did nothing compared to raising the temp of the oven; here in Colorado that step helps to set baked goods as they rise faster and have a tendency to fall before they are baked enough to have some structure..maybe without knowing I’ve also been helping to modulate the heat…great idea!
Chocolate Chip cookies are so dangerous!
The cookbook looks amazing, I would love to flip through it!
I am always looking for a better chocolate chip recipe. I can’t wait to try these ones!
The cookies look delicious-I think adding in some walnuts would put them over the top!
When a 10-year old deems them the best cookies, you know they’ve got to be the best!!
Thanks Dara! Must give these a try! And a belated Happy Canada Day!!
I am always willing to try a new cookie recipe -thanks for posting! I love your blog and love Alice’s blogs as well!
These look great! I’ll have to try the recipe the next time I make chocolate chip cookies.
These cookies look so so good!
Yes please, I would love to win the cookbook.
Have a Joyful Day :~D
Charlie
I would love to win a copy of the cookbook. The cookies look wonderful!
I am always looking for a good Chocolate chip cookie recipe…I will try this recipe. Oh, would love to win this book as well.
I would love a copy of this book.
I would love these!
Those look like good cookies and it sounds like a great cookbook! I would love to win a copy.
I follow Savory Sweet Life on pinterest
I have seen recipes from the Savory Sweet Life cookbook popping up everywhere! I would love to be able to try some out myself
Chocolate chip are a family favourite… its always nice to top the last batch
Ok, even though I really LOVE the recipe I make, I will have to try these!
I follow you on Pinterest
I can’t wait to try this recipe
Can’t wait to make these when I move into my new house in a couple weeks — then I’ll actually have an oven again!
Today calls for chocolate chips and I will definitely be giving these a whirl. Thank you both for sharing!!
I can’t wait to make these cookies. Alice’s cookbook looks like so much fun.
Since I have a cookbook addiction, I’d love a copy of this cookbook. As well, I’m always up for trying new cc cookie recipes!
I am in LOVE with Alice’s book!! We haven’t made her cookies yet though boy do they look fab!
I’d love a new cookbook. I need to try this recipe, my chocolate chip cookies never turn out right.