Recipe: Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies!

   It's almost the weekend! Congratulations, you've made it through another week of emails, computer screens, and co-workers! Isn't it time to reward yourself? ;)
   During this two-day holiday, why not whip up a batch of delicious, ooey-gooey, chocolate chip cookies?! This is my favorite recipe, and it's easily adaptable to meet your diet needs. Feel free to throw in some chopped nuts, shredded coconut flakes, dried cranberries, or whatever else your heart desires!!

   Here's what you'll need:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup butter (or substitute)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 sugar
• 2 eggs (or chia/flax eggs - recipe below)
• 1 tsp vanilla pure extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• whatever other goodies you want to throw in! 

   For vegans and other people who do not eat eggs, I have a substitute you will LOVE. It works like a charm in baked goods such as breads, cakes, and cookies! :) Here it is:

• 1 tbs flax or chia seeds
• 3 tbs water

   This recipe calls for two eggs, so to get the maximum nutritional benefit I use 1 tbs chia and 1 tbs flax seeds. Grind seeds to a fine powder using a coffee grinder or other such device. (Magic Bullets have this option with the flat blade and small container.) Once they are ground, add 6 tbs water and stir. Let mixture set for about 1-3 minutes. It will become gooey and thick, much like the consistency of eggs! Plus it's full of omega 3s, protein, and fiber!

   Okay, on to the really good stuff. Cream the butter and sugars together in a large bowl. Add the vanilla extract and eggs (or substitute!). Then you will add the dry ingredients: salt, baking soda, and flour. Mix well to combine. Finally, add the chocolate chips and other goodies. You really can't have too many. Put desired size of cookie on a parchment-paper-covered cookie sheet with plenty of room for them to spread. Bake in the oven, preheated to 350 degrees, for 10-12 minutes.
   Lastly, try to let the cookies cool long enough before eating straight out of the oven. Cookie burns can be dangerous too! ;) Hope you have a wonderful, cookie-filled weekend!