Good food is often among the things collegiettes miss the most when we are away from home, especially away at college. Every family has a special meal, dessert, or other homemade dish that brings them together, and it is those foods we crave during late night studying, when we finish classes and need a snack, or when we swipe in to the Pit for the third time that day and have absolutely no idea what’s left to eat…
For me, the special treat that instantly transports me back to my home in Massachusetts is my mom’s chocolate chip cookies. I know, it’s cliché, but those golden, crispy rounds, with their subtle chew from a sprinkling of oats, bursts of crunch from bits of Heath, and rich pockets of chocolate, epitomize my childhood.
There is nothing quite like food made with love by our families, but why not try to recreate some of these treats at school? Sometimes we just can’t wait for the next care package to arrive, and in reality, a lot of what we enjoy the most from home is fairly easy to make, even with the limits of a college budget and tiny dorm kitchens. All it takes is a trip to the grocery store and a lazy Saturday of baking with your girlfriends, and you’ll be instantly transported home. A sheet pan and parchment paper are must-haves, so try and borrow some from local friends, or go ahead and buy them from the nearest Target. It’s a worthy investment for four years of baking days. And, in case you’re looking for recipe ideas, or are just interested in making the greatest cookies on Earth, here are the secrets to my mom’s world renowned cookies to get you started:
OATMEAL-TOFFEE COOKIES
2 scant cups flour (white or whole wheat pastry flour)
1 teaspoon baking soda
3⁄4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup sugar (2 sticks)
3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
3⁄4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 scant cup of oatmeal (rolled oats — not fast cooking)
1⁄2 cup dried cherries or cranberries, finely chopped
1 cup chopped chocolate (bittersweet or semi sweet). We use chocolate chips.
1 cup toffee pieces (Heath)
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Sift dry ingredients with a whisk in a small bowl and set aside.
In a mixer or by hand, cream the two sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix to combine. Add the dry ingredients- mix until just combined. Add the oatmeal, chocolate, cherries and toffee and mix until incorporated. Try not to over mix.
Divide dough into thirds and roll out into long logs. Wrap and freeze. When ready to bake, slice through frozen dough (or thaw slightly) to desired thickness. Bake for about 16 minutes rotating the pans periodically or until desired doneness is achieved. Baking time will vary depending on how large cookies are and how often oven door is open, etc. You can play around with the amounts of the add-ons. More or less depending on your taste or you can omit some.
Here’s to home comforts. Happy Baking!