Front Burner

I try to experiment sometimes, making different recipes, changing them to my liking. But Joe frequently asks why I don't often go back to the ones that won him over. I try. I like to throw those back in there every once in awhile. But I realized it had been a LONG while since he was able to indulge in one of his all time favorites... my double chocolate mint chip cookies. So I made him a batch and he was in heaven :) The things we do for the men we love...

Double Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies

3 cups chocolate chips, divided
1/4 tsp. peppermint extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 cup butter (softened) or butter flavored crisco shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a microwave safe glass bowl, heat 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips on high 1 minute. Stir and repeat until smooth. Mix in 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract. Cool to room temperature.

In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In another large bowl beat butter or crisco, brown sugar, sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add melted chocolate and eggs; beat well. Gradually blend in flour mixture. Stir in remaining chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by tablespoonsful (or use cookie scoop) onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 8-9 minutes. Allow to stand for 2-3 minutes before removing from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

*Recipe courtesy of Gooseberry Patch "Country Cookies"*