Grams and I have commented on several occasions that baking is not a one person job. It requires multiple sets of hands and helpers. Luckily for Grams and I, we were assisted today by the baking expertise of Miss Morgan Connor. Morgan is the daughter of Jason and Stacy (Ahlden) Connor and the great-granddaughter of Lorraine Ahlden. Morgan was baking with a special occasion in mind this morning. Tomorrow, August 2nd, is her parents’ 14th wedding anniversary. She chose to make Jason’s Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies to give to her parents as an anniversary gift. The ‘Jason’ in the recipe is actually Stacy’s brother and my cousin, Jason Ahlden. Morgan put careful consideration into what recipe would be made today. She chose these cookies because her mom loves CHOCOLATE!
Absolutely nothing makes Grams happier than spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. I truly believe that God put her on this earth to be a mother and a grandmother. I enjoyed seeing Grams and Morgan working together to bake an Ahlden Cookbook recipe. Grams was impressed by Morgan’s kitchen skills. She needed no assistance cracking eggs or measuring ingredients. It was so cute when Grams said, “You know, I think good baking just runs in the Ahlden family.”
While the cookies were baking, I gave Morgan and Grams manicures and pedicures. Morgan chose silver polish with lime-green polka dots for her toes and yellow nail polish with hot pink polka dots on her fingers. Grandma Ahlden opted for a slightly more modest light pink polish. The only times that I have seen Grams wearing nail polish is at weddings. She is so modest and conservative that it was fun to see her with her fancy, pink pedicure.
We knew that the cookies were good long before we put them in the oven because Morgan taste tested the raw dough…several times. I guess we needed to be sure that all sections of the bowl were raw dough approved. I’m positive that Morgan knew what size to make the dough ball into, but she still let Great-Grandma help show her the best size. Grams got so much pleasure out of spending the morning with not only a granddaughter, but also a great-granddaughter. When the last batch came out of the oven, Morgan carefully chose which cookies she would bring home for Jason and Stacy’s Anniversary.
Families are busy and there are always places to be and things to be done. You wake up early and clean the house, make the kids’ lunch, and mow the lawn. Pretty soon, it’s time for an on-the-run supper and carpooling the kids to t-ball practice. It’s easy to tell yourself that since you are so exhausted, you will just wait and call or visit Grams another day. I am guilty of using this excuse far too often. Spending today with Morgan and Grandma Ahlden reminded me that my few hours of time made a better day for Grams in a life in which time is indefinite. I know we are all busy, but next time you find yourself with a few moments of free time, spend them with someone you love. It might just make their day. If you are stumped for an activity, try making Jason’s Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Amber: What was your favorite part of baking?
Morgan: Ummm… probably the eating.
Amber: Eating the dough or the cookie?
Morgan: Well, both. :)
Disclaimer: Stacy, I am not responsible for any tummy ache that may occur due to the mass amounts of dough and cookie I allowed Morgan to consume today.
Jason’s Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Jason Ahlden
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
¾ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup sugar
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups flour
1 t. baking soda
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugars and vanilla pudding. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips (dough will be stiff). Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Enjoy!
Note from Jason: This recipe is much more fun if the kids help! We have pictures of Grace still in diapers helping me bake these cookies!
Amber, Morgan had the very best time!!!! I thank you so much for letting her do this! She wad so proud!!!... No worries about the dough... Morgan would eat it all the time if possible! :-)
ReplyDelete