Baking with Basil

Sometimes a girl (or guy) just needs a cookie.  Nothing fancy, nothing complicated.  There is something about taking a bite into that soft, chewy center and then it slowly melting in your mouth.  Now take that image, make the cookie dark and chocolatey, throw in some tart dried cherries and pair it with a big ol’ glass of red wine and you have entered into my world last night.  Other than the cherries this is a pretty basic chocolate cookie, but you combine those two flavors and it works so wonderfully.

I apologize for the lag in posts the last few days.  This week has been crazy busy, but tonight I have no plans except spending some time in the kitchen with another big ol’ glass of red wine.  :)  I stocked up on some cans of pumpkin from Trader Joe’s this week…I can’t wait to dig into the stash.  I’ve been seeing some tasty pumpkin recipes out there so stay tuned.

Happy October and have a great weekend!!!

(Printable Recipe)

Chewy Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Recipe from myrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup dried tart cherries
• 3-4 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife.  In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk.

3.  Place sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer on high-speed until well blended.  Add vanilla and egg; beat well.  With the mixer on low-speed, gradually add flour mixture.  Beat just until combined.  Fold in cherries and chocolate chips.

4.  Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or cooking spray.  Slightly flatten cookie with palm of hand.  Bake for 11-12 minutes or just until set.  Remove from oven; cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.  Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.