Cookies Make The World Go 'Round
October 13, 2005

Ever feel like you could be a potential victim of the C.O.O.K.I.E. syndrome? (Yup, look in the mirror: Crazed, Overloaded, Obsessive Keeping It Extreme.) In our techno-charged world, stress accumulates at a frightening rate; rarely is there a convenient time to diffuse backlogged tensions. My Cookie Stress Management Program is a great method for releasing stress each day. There are four simple steps to follow: 1. Breathe deeply for a minute or two 2. Drink a glass of water 3. Go for a short walk 4. Eat one really good homemade cookie. I think cookies are the food equivalent of a child’s blankie- they make me feel safe, comforted, and brave.

Cookies have a timeless celebrity appeal, too, just like Oprah. They have the unabashed confidence to break down barriers, telegraph warmth and promote good feelings, like world peace. The other day I really messed up a park & ride rendezvous with my biking group. When we finally hit the road I was sorry and stressed yet we traveled in stony silence. When I couldn’t stand it any longer, I extracted a bag of homemade Green Mountain Double Chocolate Chip Chews from my backpack for some group therapy. The tension instantly evaporated and everybody relaxed, our usual friendly banter began to flow. I’ll tell you, mea culpa never tasted so good.

Master Cookie Dough Recipe
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes.

In a large bowl beat with a mixer: 1 pound soft unsalted butter, 1.5 cups brown sugar and 1 cup white sugar, until fluffy. Beat in 4 eggs, 4 teaspoons of vanilla, 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Switch to a wooden spoon and stir in two cups of coconut, then 5 cups of flour.

Green Mountain Double Chocolate Chip Chews: to the master dough recipe stir in 3 cups of rolled oats, 8 cups of chocolate chips and 2 cups chopped pecans.  

Unforgettable Oatmeal Chews: to the master dough recipe stir in 6 cups of rolled oats, 3 cups of raisins, and 2 cups chopped walnuts.

Kim Dannies is a graduate of La Varenne Cooking School in France. She lives in Williston, VT with her husband, Jeff, and three college–aged daughters who come and go. ©2008