Last Friday my husband and I were invited to the dinner party. I do enjoy to attend gatherings all in all quite a bit, but this time was more of the official occasion rather than friends get together. The other issue - it was specifically sated that there is no need for presents or goods to be brought along. However, it is not in my nature to show up empty-handed, so I had to think very carefully how to express our gratitude to the host but not to overdo it.
Normally flowers, some good wine or sweets are my primary choices. However here, in France, we were informed that getting together traditions are bit different.
Apparently, bringing a bottle of wine to the party might be considered rude or even insulting. The explanation is simple - you thought that your host's taste for wine is not that good so you brought your own wine with you.
Also, if you wish to treat the host with flowers - in order not to impose any kind of inconvenience it has to be sent prior to the party via Currier services.
So, in the end, all I was left with was the option of bringing some sweets. France is THE place to be if you do enjoy baked goods and lovely patisseries can be found on the every street corner. However, simply buying treats seemed a bit too boring for my taste. Additionally, since the occasion was very special I wanted our little present to have a personal touch as well.
Baking Chocolate chip cookies it is! A very simple treat that is great for any occasion and goes well with any type of beverage. Milk, tea, coffee or even a late harvest desert wine! Trust me I've tried it and it matched just great :) Also it can be consumed as a dessert just as well as a snack.
Making them is fun and easy. It does not take much time either. 20-30 minutes for preparation of ingredients, 10 minutes for baking and some time for cooling off. You can perfectly well bake them just before the party (just like I did) and bring them fresh out of the oven. What is more, so far I haven't found a single person who doesn't like them.
Ingredients
• 250 g. all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 150 g. unsalted butter or margarine (butter is better though)
• 80 g. granulated white sugar
• 80 g. granulated brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt
• 200 g. semisweet or plain chocolate chips (you can add more or less it's up to you)
Process
1. Preheat oven to 180 °C.
2. Melt the butter.
3. In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda with one tablespoon of hot water.
4. In a separate big bowl add melted butter, white and brown sugar. Whisk together until sugar is fully dissolved. Incorporate eggs (one at a time), vanilla extract, baking soda and a pinch of salt. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended. Finally, add flour and chocolate chips. Mix it all until ingredients are just combined.
5. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
7. Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and form small balls with slightly wet hands. Place them on the prepared baking tray spacing them well apart.
8. Place baking trays in the middle of the oven. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until edges are nicely golden.
9. After taking them out of the oven, leave it on the tray for a couple of minutes to settle down and then carefully transfer to a cooling rack.
As simple as that. Packed and ready to go!
