Kick back real quick while I get you a cookie.
Is there anyone else out there who has ever uttered these words? A long, long time ago there were four girls who did. They were smart and fearless (most of the times) and thought themselves too cool for school. They formed their own gang (yes, a real gang!) and did gang things together. They had their own alphabet and gang names and rituals...bizarre to outsiders, but making perfect sense to them. They had long, in-depth conversations about the pressing issues of those days...boys, school, the people they knew and the people they didn’t. They concocted devious and complex plans to sneak out and stay out all night. They staged elaborate ploys to confuse and ensnare the boys they had our eyes on.
Just like a million other adolescents out there.
But different, because it was me. And your own adolescence is always special, different, unforgettable. Perhaps some/many (except maybe for a few Queen Bees and Wannabees) would say that teenage years are peppered with tumultuous times, filled with uncertainty and insecurity. I say, revel in the tumult! Revel in that special brand of intensity solely reserved for teenagers! There is nothing quite like it.
And after? You can choose to leave behind your angst...but keep your passion. Let your intensity evolve and change flavour. Stay fearless. And keep you gang mates. Or at least keep in touch!
To the girls of TSC...have a cookie :)
Outrageous Chocolate Cookies
(recipe by Aileen Anastacio, Yummy Magazine March 2008 issue)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (no this isn’t a duplication!)
- 1 cup walnuts chopped
- Pre-heat oven to 350F. Heat the first 2 cups of chocolate chips and the butter in the microwave on low heat just until melted and mix until smooth (next time I’m using a double boiler...I’m too nervous melting chocolate in the microwave).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another mixing bowl, beat eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla by hand until well combined (I used a mixer...sorry Aileen!). Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture. Then add the dry ingredients. Lastly, fold in the second 2 cups of chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Drop scoops of dough onto a baking sheet 2-3 inches apart (the dough can be refrigerated for at least an hour to make it firmer). Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the cookie sheet halfway through the baking time. They will still be soft in the center. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Just like adolescence (and Jason Statham in Death Race), these cookies are intense and delicious. Intensely chocolate (just as the name claims) – which is one of the best kinds of intense out there in my humble opinion. Credit for this recipe goes to Aileen Anastacio, the baking columnist at Yummy Magazine, and chef at a popular local bakeshop, who has become one of my favourite food columnists if only for her delectable looking sweets!
What triggered all this nostalgia? One of my gang is about to bring a new baby into the world. She is ready to boogie at any time now, although her doctor said it does not look likely that it will happen today. But if it does, both her hubby and mum are out of town tonight...so guess who will get the call and do the song and dance with her (if it happens today, which isn't likely I know, but I still can't help being excited!)? Woooohoooooooo!!! By the by, her pregnant self sampled some of these cookies too :)
Half the batch of these cookies I made went to my friend M for her birthday...M’s a new friend made through blogging, but who I hope to one day call an old friend :) She is leaving the country soon and I will miss her!
I hope your weekend is filled with friends old and new...and chocolate cookies!