time for an update

No, I haven't posted here for a while. Yes, I plan on posting here more. Becoming a working-away-from-home mom, selling house, moving into rental, building house, moving into new house, and settling into a somewhat new life routine has kept my family and I more busy than we'd like to be. After almost a year in our new home though, we are feeling a bit more comfortable and I'm ready to put more effort into Watkins again.

One change I am making is monthly or bi-monthly ordering. This time of year is busier with people being more in the mood to bake or do some Christmas shopping for friends and family, so I am ordering monthly through February 2011. Beginning in March 2011, depending on the demand, I may drop back to bi-monthly for the spring/summer months. I'll keep you posted on this.

FYI: I typically place orders on the 4th of each month in order to take advantage of the current AND previous months specials.

So what's new and exciting with Watkins right now? It's all the "Seasonal" items that are back! From Potato Soup Mix to Pumpkin Butter, to Cookie and Bread Mixes and Cinna-Cream Sprinkels (our family's favorite)! These products are available through January 5, 2011 while supplies last. Now is the time to get those baking spices and special "comfort food" ingredients!

Next ordering date is November 4th. Orders need to be phoned/emailed in before 8pm.

Best, Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

This is a recipe that I found on http://www.allrecipes.com/, and it really does live up to it's name. When paired with Watkins Original Double Strength Vanilla, you will never go back to the recipe on the back of the bag of chocolate chips!

FYI: For the month of February you can save $3.00 on Watkins Original Double Strength Vanilla. Regular Price: $14.99. Sale Price $11.99!

Best, Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie!

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (yes.. melt it into liquid)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1 Tbsp Watkins Original Double Strength Vanilla - yes.. a whole TABLESPOON!
1 egg
1 egg yolk

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease cookie sheet or line with parchment paper (my preferred method).

Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt - set aside.

In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well well blended. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until light and creamy. Mix in the dry ingredients until just blended. If your mixture is thin looking, add another 1/4 cup flour. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand - using a wooden spoon.. or other heavy spoon.

Roll cookies into 2" balls and place 2" apart on your cookie sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes (mine took exactly 15 mins.).

Cool on wire rack... leave the kitchen while they are cooling, or you won't have any to share :)

Enjoy!

Yield: 2-3 dozen, depending on size

** Deanna is an Independent Watkins Associate - please reference her name and/or Associate ID 376966 when placing your order. Or you may contact her directly.**