sometimes only cookies will help...

there are times in life when nothing is going quite as i planned it...or things are just plain overwhelming. it is at these times that i embrace my inner food-is-comfort self and bake something. my stove/oven is currently sitting in my dining room and not my kitchen so there is no baking to soothe my nerves/hormones/bad attitude. last night i decided that even though i could not bake i would still make cookie dough. it was good therapy. now i just have to be sure you all have my fool-proof recipe, out of which you can make at least ten different cookies.

erin's basic cookie recipe

2 sticks of butter
1 C brown sugar
1/2 C sugar

cream butter and sugars until smooth...3-5 minutes. then add:

2 t vanilla
2 eggs

mix thoroughly. then add:

1 t baking powder
1/4 t kosher salt
2 1/2 C flour
1 bag of milk chocolate chips

blend again until all is incorporated. bake at 325 for 8-10 minutes. take out of oven when still a little underdone and they will be wonderfully chewy when they are cool.

a few alterations...

 reduce flour by 1/2 C. add 1/2 C cocoa powder, 2 C unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 C sliced almonds, and substitute white chocolate chips.

 reduce flour by 1/2 C. add 2 C quick oats, 1 t cinnamon, and substitute mini semisweet chocolate chips. OR just stop at the oats for a good oatmeal cookie.

 reduce flour by 1/2 C. add 2 C quick oats, 1-2 C dried cranberries, and substitute white chocolate chips.

 add 1 C peanut butter to butter and sugars. add 2 C quick oats. keep the milk chocolate chips OR trade them out for m&ms.

enjoy.