My FAVORITE Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 small box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (tonight I used banana creme)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup walnuts (optional)

Directions:
1. Mix together butter, shortening and sugars. Add pudding mix until blended. Add eggs and vanilla.
2. In separate bowl sift together flour and baking soda. Slowly add flour mixture to wet ingredients. (Add a little flour if you need to so that it pulls away from the kitchen aid bowl and isn't too sticky. Add chocolate chips and walnuts last.
3. I use a 2 tablespoon spoon to scoop dough and roll into balls and place onto ungreased pan. (Don't press down.)

Bake 350 for 10-11 min.
(They should be starting to get a little golden around the bottom edges but not brown on top. Don't overcook.)

Bow Ties with Sausage Cream Sauce

• 1 (12 ounce) package bow tie pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
2. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage and pepper flakes until sausage is evenly brown. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, cream, and salt. Simmer until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with parsley.