Three steps forward, two steps back and Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is dedicated to Shaun. It is also dedicated to someone who loved me enough to tell me that although the end result of my work is not what I expected, it is not the end of the world. I especially want to thank Penny for sharing this rose with me and the world which was a special gift from her husband. Sometimes they are more beautiful when left to grow according to God's plan.






Chocolate Chip Cookies
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoonful baking soda
1/2 teaspoonful salt
2 eggs
1 teaspoonful vanilla extract/flavoring
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 12 ounce bag (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Mix butter and shortening with mixer on high 30 seconds then gradually add sugars, baking soda and salt. Add this mixture to the flour and mix by hand until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop by teaspoonful onto ungreased baking dish about 2 inches apart. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are slightly browned.

Shaun is the son of my niece. That makes him my first great-nephew and he has always owned a special part of my heart. This year he married a wonderful girl and he became a dad. With these changes, his priorities began to change too and he was willing to openly admit he loved his bride and his son more than he thought he was capable of. He also openly admitted making a cooking mistake. He was making cookies and substituted baking powder for baking soda. He said he thought the cookies looked different but the real test was tasting them and he will never forget the difference in the taste. It was definitely not the taste he was expecting. I told him that every cook who has ever lived has made a similar mistake even if nobody knew it and we never forget what that taste was like. He took two steps forward and slid back one. He had a plan, it did not work out as planned but he took responsibility and learned something in the process. The part that means so much to me is he shared that process with me and others.

That's what life is about. Stepping out, trying and sharing the results with the people in your life who care to listen. I am so blessed.


Psalm 31:3 Since you are my rock and fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Love,
Nana