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Okay, so we've already had dinner, so now it's time to bust out a dessert recipe, right?  This one is great if you feel like making some cookies but you're tired of the standard chocolate chip or oatmeal cookie recipe.  It would also make a fantastic addition to the PTA bake sale or a plate of treats for an upcoming meeting at work.  Give these a shot and tell me what you think of them!

What You Need:

• 1 - 24 oz bag of semisweet chocolate chips (4 C)
• 1 C butter or margarine, softened
• 1 C packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 C all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 - 6 oz package of white chocolate baking bars, cut into chunks (1/4 to 1/2 inch size)
• 1 C pecan or walnut halves (optional)

What To Do:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Melt 1 1/2 C chocolate chips in 1-quart saucepan over low heat (stirring constantly).  Cool to room temperature but do not allow the chocolate to become firm.
• Use electric mixer to beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy. 
• Beat in eggs and melted chocolate until light and fluffy.
• Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt.  Stir in remaining 2 1/2 C chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, and pecan/walnut halves.
• Drop dough by level 1/4 cupfuls (or #16 cookie/ice cream scoop) onto ungreased cookie sheet; keep 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12 - 14 minutes or until set.  The centers should be soft and moist.
• Cool 1 - 2 minutes then remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

These are also the perfect thing to put in a pretty bag or container as a gift to cheer up a friend or welcome a new neighbor.  Just be sure to tell them about the nuts, if you use them, in case of allergies!