There is almost no skill more valuable than the ability to make an amazing chocolate chip cookie. I almost wouldn’t believe it myself but these cookies might have magic powers; my daughters will stop fighting and my ex-husband becomes more pleasant just by the very smell of them baking in the oven.

Everyone has asked me for this recipe and I have been reluctant to divulge it, however, it is time to move on. Cooler weather is the ideal time to perfect this recipe; by the time the holidays roll around you will have a great hostess gift for friends and family.

Some variations I like include adding white chocolate chips and Macadamia nuts. But be careful. Some may consider this sacrilege!

Ingredients
1 cup butter or ( two sticks)
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs
4 cups flour ( 3 cups unbleached white flour plus 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 24 oz. bag chocolate chips

Method
*makes a ton, about 6 dozen- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Mix butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs in large bowl.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda and salt.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop dough by rounded measuring tablespoons, about 2-inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. I always use parchment paper.
- Bake 9-12 minutes or until light brown.
- Cool slightly.
- Remove from cookie sheet, cool on wire rack.