Heidi's Famous
   Chocolate Chip Cookies

Benjamin J. Salvetti

A few years ago, I sought for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe, and struggled along the way. My goal as a fifteen year old was to find the �perfect chocolate chip cookie� that really tasted flawless through and through. The challenge was on, and I was determined to find, or make up, this exciting recipe and hopefully create a family tradition.

My mother has always been an amazing cook. She cooks Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Cuban--you name it. She can look at a picture of a food platter and almost create it down to the very last detail with no problem at all. But as for me, let's just say that if I do follow the directions perfectly, the outcome is still less than desired. I wanted to find something I could bake and simply surprise myself with.

As Thanksgiving passed on, I thought of where I could find the perfect cookie. I let my mind wander and suffered through all fifteen cookbooks my mother had. I wanted to be able to bake the perfect cookies for Christmas so my family could be at least impressed with my efforts. All I would like to say is that my cooking skills are absolutely horrible in the kitchen. All I can really cook is some microwave foods. And smores. I have actually accomplished burning water in my lifetime, which is said to be impossible.

As I searched on and on, I discovered that chocolate chip recipes are about as personal and subjective as chili recipes and good hamburgers. I wanted more than just the simple cookie that was plain and ordinary. I wanted the best. I had to sample over a dozen various "perfect chocolate chip cookie" recipes until I decided on the best of the bunch.

I wanted my chocolate chip cookies to be moist and light, crisp, and yet slightly chewy. I believe there should be enough high quality chocolate in the cookie so that you get some chocolate in every bite. I know I don't want any chocolate-less bites when I eat a chocolate chip cookie. As I kept that in my mind and mulled it over for a while, I found the perfect recipe. Reading the actual recipe made my mouth water like a dog when it sees a nice big steak, or when a hunter sees a rabbit.

As I made the cookies, I took every step precisely, and followed as the recipe stated. When the cookies were done baking, and I took the very first bite, I found out there is no feeling to describe how one feels when what they are doing (in my case, baking) is a success and better than the time before.

As Christmas crept up, I allowed only my sister to test out the newfound recipe. In the beginning, a few things were slightly off, but after trial and error, I finally got it right. The first batch was burnt. The second was not done. On about the seventeenth batch, everything was perfect. Christmas of 2005 arrived sooner than eve,r and in the morning, two hundred cookies were laying out ready to be eaten. That Christmas still remains the best I have ever had.

The chocolate chip cookies were moist and sturdy, but very heavy (If you do not like rich foods, do not make this recipe). I was very surprised at how filling and delicious the cookies were. Everything was perfect. The cookies were warm and moist, with just the right chewy-crunchy sensation I was looking for.

All my family was completely shocked at how much, and how well, I had baked. Now, don't get me wrong, the presents were amazing on Christmas, but my chocolate chip cookies were a smash hit, which was even better.

I decided in the midst of all the rage and commotion, that I would name my chocolate chip recipe after my mother, who is an amazing cook. The name I decided on was, Heidi's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies. Now during every family get-together, my chocolate chip cookies are eaten to the very last crumb. I do believe that I have started a family tradition, which I hope gets carried on for many years, and passed down from generation to generation.