The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies I've Ever Made

You guys, I love chocolate chip cookies. I don't know what it is about them. They are so simple but so delicious. People like them different ways, I understand, but I seriously think these are the best. They are soft, but firm, chewy, chocolatey and sooooo good!

I have been on the hunt for the perfect chocolate chip cookie for years. I have tried many different recipes but this one is a keeper! I found this recipe on Lil' Luna. I have tried several of her recipes and they are all great! Go check her out!

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies I've Ever Made
Makes about 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, soft (I always use salted butter, unless specified)
• 1 cup brown sugar (I used light brown sugar)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup oil (I used vegetable oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 2+ cups chocolate chips (I always use milk chocolate but I know most people like semi-sweet)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In stand mixer cream butter, sugars and oil until fluffy. Mix in eggs. Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla and flour. Once it's all combine mix in chocolate chips. I used a cookie scoop and placed my cookies on cookie sheet lined with a silpat (I love my silpat, I use it for everything!). I put 12 on each sheet. Bake for 7-8 minutes. Check them at 7 minutes. If they look way to light then leave them in for another minutes. But don't over bake them because then they will be crunchy. The bottoms should be slightly darker than the tops of the cookies. Leave them in the pan for a minute to set up a little bit, they are super soft when they come out of the oven. After a minute or two transfer them to a wire rack and let them continue to set up. 

I don't know about you but I have to try my cookies during many different stages. I first try the cookie dough (multiple times), then I try them a minute or so after they come out of the oven. Then after a little while I try them again when they are still warm. Usually this is my favorite cookie stage so I eat about a dozen of them. Then after an hour or so I try them when they are completely cooled off. Mmmm... cookies! 

Please, if you have a favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe that I should try just leave a comment with the link! 

Pork Chops with Apple Celery Relish

Who doesn't love a good pork chop recipe?! Well, I've got a semi-fancy one for ya that won't take too long.

I apologize in advance but photography isn't my "thing."

 I try to take pretty pictures but usually it just looks like food.  

So don't judge the recipe based on my pictures!

Pork Chops with Apple Celery Relish
Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 medium sized onion, chopped up
• 2 celery stalks, chopped up
• 1 apple, chopped; granny smith would work well (you want an apple that isn't too sweet)
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped up
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 4 Pork Chops

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a medium heated pan. Cook onion, celery, apple and carrots for a couple minutes. Add garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook until veggies are tender but still have a slight crispness to them. Season to taste. Remove from heat but keep them covered until you are ready to serve. 

Meanwhile as the veggies are cooking, season pork chops with salt and pepper. In a different pan add a tablespoon of oil to it. Once the pan is on medium heat add pork chops. Make sure to get a good sear on them. Once they are browned on one side go ahead and flip them over. It shouldn't take too long for them to cook. If you have a meat thermometer the pork chop should read in at 145 degrees F.

Once your meat is done, let it rest for 3 minutes.

Serve pork chops topped with apple, celery relish and a delicious side dish. I made balsamic green beans with red onions, which are delicious! Ever tried balsamic vinegar and green beans? Yum! Try them!

Variation: Stuffed Pork Chops

If you feel like being really fancy buy 1 inch thick pork chops and butterfly them, then stuff the relish inside the chops. "Pin" with toothpicks. Sear both sides of the chops, then finish them off in the oven. That's yummy too!