Droolworthy...Michael Smith's Chocolate Chip Cookies

This morning I ventured to my favourite beach...not a soul in sight...peace..tranquility...and a great book. Now this afternoon we have rain, so, it is the perfect time to forget what we are missing and dive into some baking. There is something so comforting about a batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. This recipe comes from Mike Smith on the Food Network. He adds a tablespoon of corn syrup so that the cookies remain soft in the centre...my ultimate!!!!! If you toast the chopped walnuts that adds that extra bit of flavour as well. Enjoy!!! I know I am!!!

**Michael Smith's Chocolate Chip Cookies**

1 cup of all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup coarse sugar (optional)
1/2 cup oats (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Preheat oven to 375F.

Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a small bowl. Cream the cold butter and sugars together in a stand mixer. Beat until well combined and creamy. If you don't have a stand mixer beat vigorously by hand in a large mixing bowl. Work those muscles!!

Add the corn syrup, egg and vanilla and continue beating until well combined. Scrape down the bowl and gradually add the flour mix, beating just until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand. If you desire stir in the oatmeal and walnuts.

Using a tablespoon scoop out a ball of the dough and drop onto a lightly greased cookie tray. Flatten slightly. Repeat leaving lots of room in between the balls for the cookies to expand. Sprinkle a bit of the optional coarse sugar on each cookie.

Bake for 10 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes. Remove and cool further...if they last that long!!!