Family recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've decided to join Eren's (Vintage Chica) Summer Family Recipe Challenge.

It's late here and I don't have any current photos of my first recipe, so out of desperation sometimes comes inspiration.

I have a quilt that my mom made for me after I graduated from high school, or rather, when I returned home from Chile after having spent a year abroad as an exchange student. The quilt squares were parceled out to important family members and friends. Each person made a square that represented me or them, a certain memory from our lives together. The quilt is beautiful. An amazing time capsule of memories with the creator of each. A few of those people have passed away and yet, with the blanket pulled up over me, I can almost feel their hugs.

Most members of my family and close friends are interested in the kitchen and have cooked many-a-perfect meal over the years. Each person seems to have their specialty that they prepare often and and have landed in my food memory bank.

For starters, let's take a peek at my square from my Grandma and Grandpa Hanson. Grandma is an amazing cook and baker and always made sure that we had an ice-cream bucket or coffee can full of chocolate chip cookies in our homes. My brother, sister and I all ate them at different rates... and for some reason, I have always been able to make mine last a little longer. I was also the kid who hoarded my Easter candy 'til Halloween, then the Halloween goodies 'til Easter. I guess I was a candy brat. My memories of her cookies are so very clear... the crisp, fall-apart-in-your-mouth kind of cookies. Why mess around with the Toll House chewy ones when these soak up the milk perfectly and disolve instantly in your mouth?

You know your mouth is watering. Go get out your mixer and get mixin'.

Here's Grandma's chocolate chip cookie recipe:

2 c. shortening

1 1/2 c. white sugar

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

4 eggs, beaten well

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. hot water

4 1/2 c. flour

2 c. nuts (optional)

2 tsp. vanilla

1-2 pkg. chocolate chips (depending on how chocolately you like them)

Cream together the shortening and sugars. Add the eggs and beat well. Add soda, water and flour and mix well. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips by hand. Bake at 350 degrees until done. 12 minutes, maybe? Grandma doesn't say the time on her recipe card... she just bakes them til they are done. Keep your eye on them. You'll be glad you did.

Thanks Grandma!