Care Package Cookies

We recently wanted to put together a small care package for two of our very dear friends. As part of the care package we wanted to make them a couple of meals so they would not have to worry about cooking. I went into full cooking mode making them three meals, Panera Macaroni & Cheese, Sicilian Rice Ball Casserole and Chicken Rollatini with Spinach. The Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food and Mike and I really enjoy the other two dishes so we thought they would be good to make, since everyone usually makes things like Baked Ziti to bring over.

To package up the meals I even bought special freezer to oven gladware I had seen so they wouldn't have to worry about returning the tupperware after and also if they wanted to freeze the food they could right in these containers. In doing this I totally over ordered these containers but  now I have a whole stock pile of containers, which is not the worst thing in the world. I have started using them now as part of operation freezer project (more to come on that later).

As part of the care package of course we had to include something sweet. I don't really have my own signature chocolate chip cookie recipe, so I did what any person would do, I goggled one. I found this one and figured over 3,000 reviewers couldn't be wrong, and turns out they weren't. I loved these cookies, I couldn't stop eating them, they turned out delicious so thought I would share the recipe and so I'd have it for next time.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Source: All Recipes

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons hot water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.