[The Perfect] Chocolate Chip Cookie

I have tried out a variety of recipes for this timeless cookie. (It amazes me how many alternatives there are.) Well, I believe I have finally decided what the absolute BEST ever chocolate chip cookie recipe is. I have used this recipe twice in the last week alone! (For bake sale orders not just my stomach! =D) (Note as of 10/09: Kevin insists that I never make any other chocolate chip cookie. These are his favorites. Also, I have gotten rave reviews from everyone at church who buys these at the weekly bake sale. One person says I should start a cookie company. :D)

Now that I have your tastebuds perked up, I thought I'd go ahead and share the secret. (You must credit this recipe to a woman named Marcia--the wife of one of my dad's coworkers--who became famous for these cookies.) Be sure to keep to the recipe. Do not make substitutions for the shortening and margarine. The beauty and perfection of this cookie is a result of this combination.

Ingredients

2/3 C softened margarine

2/3 C Crisco shortening

1 C sugar

1 C brown sugar

2 eggs

1-2 tsp vanilla (I added 2 tsp.)

3 C flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp salt

12 oz. chocolate chips

Directions

Cream together margarine, shortening, sugar, and brown sugar. Add in eggs, one at a time. Add in vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy. In a large separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix into creamed ingredients in 3 additions. Stir in chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes (Do NOT overbake. They will not look done in the oven.)

Yields: 4 dozen (using a 1 1/2 Tbsp scoop)