Cathy's Chocolate Chip Cookies

i know everybody says they have the best chocolate chip cookies, but these are the best. they are famous in mount prospect. and that's saying a lot... considering all the famous chefs that have come from the humble village of mt. prospect.

Preheat oven to 350.

mix in a bowl:
      6 1/2 cups flour
      2 tsp. baking soda
      2 tsp. salt

mix in a larger bowl (or standing mixer)
      1 lb. butter (softened... not melted)
      1 1/2 cups sugar
      2 cups light brown sugar
      2 Tbsp. vanilla (real, not artificial)
      3 eggs

Blend flour mixture into butter/sugar mixture. Add 30-36 ounces of good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips AND 1 to 1 1/2 cups of coarsely chopped walnuts.  [optional - if omitting nuts, use a little more flour.]  Refrigerate dough for several hours (which keeps the cookies from flattening while they bake).

Drop onto ungreased cookie sheet, using ice cream scoop for large cookies.  Bake in oven at 350 for 15-18 minutes.  (Don't overcook!!) Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 10-15 minutes more then transfer them to rack to cool completely.

More tips for perfect cookies:
       use better quality chocolate chips (i.e. tollhouse) & butter
       use Cushionaire or similar brand cookie sheets
       only use the middle rack in the oven
       for chewy, moist cookies, undercook them.  Remove them while they look not quite done.  They'll continue "baking" while cooling on the sheet.
       eat a lot!!! :)






and for extra enjoyment, here's a funny cookie situation to inspire you (not the best quality... sorry!)