August Book Club

Thanks for the fun night tonight, ladies!  I had a great time but I missed those of you who couldn't make it.  As promised, here's the cookie recipe I used.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
14 Tbsp unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks), cut into pieces
3/4 cup dark brown sugar (can use regular brown sugar)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt (since I usually use salted butter, I don't add the salt)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 cups chocolate chips (use cinnamon or peanut butter chips for a nice variety)
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional; I'm a purist and don't like nuts in cookies)

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat over to 375. 

Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl and set aside.

In a 10-inch skillet, heat 10 tbsp butter over medium-high heat until melted.  Continue cooking, stirring constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has a nutty aroma, 1-3 minutes.  Remove skillet from heat and transfer browned butter to a large heatproof bowl.  Stir remaining 4 tbsp butter into hot butter until completely melted.

Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to butter and whisk until fully incorporated.  Add egg and egg yolk and whisk until mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds.  Let mixture stand for 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds.  Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth, and shiny.  Using rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute.  Stir in chips and nuts (optional).

Divide dough onto cookie sheets, arranging 2 inches apart.  Bake cookies one tray at a time until cookies are golden brown and still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10 to 14 minutes.  Transfer to wire rack and cook completely before serving.

Now, on to books (since this is a book club blog).  :D  The book for August is Divergent by Veronica Roth.  I confess, I've read ahead and really enjoyed this book.  Can't wait to discuss it next month.  The meeting will be held at Tawnya's house at 6:30pm on Thursday, August 4th.  Send me an email if you need the address.  As usual, I will send reminders closer to meeting day.

Happy reading!