World Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am not a great baker but when I make these cookies, the compliments I get make me feel like I'm pretty good! Try them out and let me know what you think!

• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup butter (not margarine)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup chocolate chip chips

In a large bowl, mix together the shortening, butter, sugar and brown sugar, using an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until creamy. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly. Add the chocolate chips and nuts and mix well. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease to baking sheets. Drop dough with a large tablespoon (should be the size of a golf ball). Allow plenty of space for the cookies to spread out as they bake. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Italian Baked Chicken and Pasta

from Giada De Laurentiis - (with a few changes I made for my family)

1/2 box Pasta
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Chicken Breast, cut into bite size pieces
1/2 c Onion, diced
1 tsp Garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz.) can Tomatoes, diced with juice
1 c Mozzarella
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
1/4 c Bread crumbs, Italian for best flavor
1/4 c Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp butter

Cook pasta according to directions on box and drain. While pasta is boiling, cook chicken in olive oil - add onion and garlic, saute until tender. Put chicken, onions, and garlic mixture into a large bowl with the cooked pasta. Add the canned tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Place the mixture in a prepared 8x8 baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Dot the top with small bits of butter. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

We loved this new pasta recipe and will definitely be making it again!