A Winning Strategy

It's a lot like the first day of school. Spiffed out in your shinies, hair parted just so, you stride out with the empowering words of Mom running through your head. Somewhere along the way, it begins to break down. The stomach goes all aflutter. Your breath has a funny cadence, and suddenly your legs seem to jerk like a marionette. Will the cool kids like me?

Lunch hour comes, and you plop next to someone who looks like they may be friendly. Unfolding your brown bag, out comes sandwich (cut on the diagonal), carrots, apple. At the very bottom of the bag- two glorious, fat, chocolate-chip cookies. With a grin, glancing slyly at your table-mate, you offer a cookie towards her. "I have too much- you want it?" She smiles, and accepts. "My name's Mandy," she murmurs through chocolatey crumbs.

So recently, I went walking into my new part-time job. While it's not exactly my first visit, it would be my first time really being part of the team. Thinking of that long ago schoolday, I'd spent the previous day browsing through a cookbook of tried-and true recipes. Cookies have always been a favourite, especially since so many of the ingredients tend to be in my cupboard at any given time.

Finally, my eyes rested upon "Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chunk" cookies. A killer combination, heavy on the peanut butter, and liberally laced with quality bittersweet chocolate. I was certain it would break down barriers, and drum up confidence. Did it work?
I'd certainly say so. Holla!


Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

adapted from Recipezaar's PetitFour

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup ap flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
11.5 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate chunks

Cream the butters together until completely incorporated. Add sugar, cream on medium. Add the egg and vanilla, mix together. Add the flour, baking soda and salt; mix until no white remains, then add the chocolate and hand mix until everything comes together. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment lined baking sheets, and bake at 350-degrees for 9-11 minutes.