My mom had a TV show on a local channel at noon for over 35 years. She still does segments on the noon and evening news programs every Tuesday, and she’s 83 years old! She is one of those faces that everyone in our area knows–and I mean EVERYONE! We can’t go to the grocery store or the mall or a ball game without someone coming up to chat with her. Most people feel like they know her because she’s been in their family rooms or kitchens every day. Many of them ask her if she remembers the time they were on her show. She always says that she does, but- truth be told- she doesn’t remember every single episode. She holds warm conversations with all of her fans, regardless of knowing them or not.
She features area chefs, restaurants, and farmer’s markets on her segments. Because of this focus on food, part of my mother’s fame involves cooking. There were several editions of cookbooks that feature recipes from my mom or guests on her show. I recently had a childhood friend contact me in a panic because she lost one of my mom’s cookbooks during a move and needed a brisket recipe.
There are a few specialties that made my mom famous, though. One of those is her chocolate chip cookies. I grew up with cookies in my hand. This picture even shows me as a little girl with a broken hand full of cookies. Friends would beg my mom to bake her famous cookies. She always noted that there was a secret ingredient that we wouldn’t be able to pick out simply by taste. This extra touch added subtle flavor. Maybe you’ll be able to figure out her twist when you bake them.
Mom’s cookies are a little bit crunchy as opposed to chewy. She would leave a pan in just a bit longer for me because I loved the taste of the edges when they burned just slightly. My mom still delivers cookies for our family and a few burned ones just for me!
Put on your apron and give this recipe a try. Then, grab a glass of milk and enjoy!
Mom’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1/2 cup Crisco
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Cream above ingredients and add 1 egg.
SIFT: **1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour **1/2 teaspoon soda **1/2 teaspoon salt
Add dry ingredients to the first mixture. Add 1/2 cup walnuts (optional) and 1 small package of semi=sweet chocolate chips.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10-11 minutes.
Makes 3-4 dozen cookies. If the recipe is doubled, use a large package of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
sharing the stairs 