ChocoChips Cookies

Ingredients:
4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp salt
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cup crisco vegatable shortening
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg white
2-4tsp warm water
12 oz mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps:
Bring all ingredients to room temperature
Preheat oven 325F
Mix flour and baking soda in bowl, set aside
Use an electric mixer to mic the two sugars and shortening
When creamy, add the vanilla, salt, and egg white
Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time adding a Tbs of water as necessary to mix flour- don't exceed 4 TBS of water- this will make a firm dough.
Mix in chocolate chips
As the dough gets thicker, you may want to mix by hand and abandon the electric mixer.
Roll into 2 " balls and oress down with the palm of your hand to make flat.
Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

                                                  Chocolate Caramel Balls
1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, softened         1/2 c packed brown sugar      1/4 c granulated sugar
1/2 c butter or maragarine, softened         1 egg              1 tsp vanilla     2 c all-purpose flour
1/4 c unsweetened cocoa                        1 tsp baking powder              18 caramels, cut in half
Frosting:
1 1/2 c powdered sugar           2 Tbs unsweetened cocoa           2 Tbs caramel ice cream topping
2-3 tsp milk
Heat oven 350F. In large mixing bowl, combine 6 oz cream cheese, brown sugar, butter, granulated sugar, egg and vanilla. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until light and fluffy.  Add flour, 1/4 c cocoa and baking powder. Beat at low speed until soft dough forms. Shape 1 measuring tablespoon dough around 1 caramel half to form 1 inch ball. Repeat with remaining dough and caramel halves. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10-14 minutes, or until set. Cool completely. In small mixing bowl, combine remaining cream cheese and frosting ingredients. Beat at low speed in electric mixer until smooth. Spread frosting evenly on cookies. Let dry completely before storing.
A Cookie Lover's Collection