Friday, June 19, 2009

Care Package Chocolate Chip Cookies


So as some of you know, I have a Son in the Arabian Sea, and a daughter in Baghdad, Iraq. So I spend a lot of time doing what? CARE PACKAGES!

It was my daughter's turn this last weekend, and I wanted to send her and her unit Chocolate Chip cookies. (I understand that the protocol is, anybody who has received home baked goods, is to immediately donate to the group, so nothing generally lasts more than 10 minutes)

Good chocolate chip cookies are generally heavy in butter but I'm sending baked goods on a 5-6 day trip to a Country where the approximate daytime temperature is 110 degrees so I was concerned about butter turning maybe a bit rancid.

So I decided to substitute some vegetable shortening because I'm sure it would stay fresh longer.

I baked them all up, froze all but a couple, so I could sample them, and left them in the freezer for a few days as I continued buying things for the care package so it would be full.

Funny thing happened though. Those cookies are DELICIOUS!

I couldn't stop "hitting" on them. Just a couple each day, but jeez, this is a care package. I felt like I was stealing from my own baked goods.

So I bought everything I needed to buy, filled up the package, with the cookies, and took it directly to the post office and got them out of my house.

My point is, make these cookies. The shortening cut with butter is a great way to go. The cookies retain a great texture even after being frozen and defrosted. And, I suspect I'll get an email from Iraq in a day or two saying...."Hey DAD, thanks for the cookies, they lasted about 10 minutes!"

Ingredients and Method:

1 cup vegetable shortening
4 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
large package mini semi-sweet chocolate chips


Cream shortening, butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla and mix well. Add baking soda and salt and flour and mix thoroughly. Toss in chips and mix until incorporated.

Refrigerate dough for 10 minutes so it's easier to handle. On a cookie sheet with or without parchment paper, drop cooking dough with a scoop or use two spoons to make 1 - 2 inch balls.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 -12 minutes. (I usually always go 12 minutes, but no more)

Let sit on pan for 5 minutes and then move to wire rack to cool completely.

Repeat with remaining dough until all are baked.

Enjoy!

And here's a thought, if you like the cookies, double it and send a couple dozen to my daughter's unit in Iraq. The address is: SGT Merlin Merissa, C co 7-158 AVN, APO AE 09391

I KNOW our troops would be grateful! Trust me, they all share with everyone.

9 comments:

pointpixie said...

I followed the cookie picture from foodgawker and just wanted to let you know I think your blog is great! Love the macro picture pop outs. Also, your suggestion to send cookies overseas is super sweet. I hope at least a few people take up the challenge!

chocolatecup said...

oooh yum! i never tried shipping edibles! will maybe try them next time:)

greenbean said...

i'm curious as to how you package the cookies so they stay fresh. thanks!

Christine said...

I would like to know how you packed the cookies, too. I'm guessing plastic containers?

Also, thanks for the tip about shortening. I sometimes sub half shortening for butter so the cookies keep their shape without spreading, and it makes sense that it would keep it from going rancid. Good to know since I have some friends I'm sending cookies to soon.

Say thanks to your daughter and her unit for me, and let them know they are appreciated for all they do. =)

Ron Merlin said...

I wrap the cookies tightly in plastic and then place them in a heavy duty freezer bag with a zip top, forcing out as much air as I can. It seems to work well.

Thanks for the kind words regarding my daughter.

konnie said...

i used to send cookies to my soldier back in the day. i collected 3# and 1# coffee cans (2 to share and 1 just for him - today
you could use the plastic screw lid
kind.layer the cookies with plain popped popcorn. they ship well, stay fresher, and your soldier has two treats from home.

Ron Merlin said...

Layering with popcorn. What a great idea. Thanks!

Happy Tummy said...

oh my i would love to try this too! you'r kids are so blessed to have such an amazing dad! last June 21 was Father's Day, so belated happy father's day mr. merlin!

Talita said...

I love chocolate chip cookie! Your cookies look great!