Ruby Cookies
perfect and pareve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Around our house we call these Chocolate Chip Cookies "Ruby Cookies" because none of us can make them as good as she can. Baking is a real weakness of mine, so Ruby steps in and makes delicious desserts. And to compensate for my Sephardic tastes, her sister is Queen of Ashkenazi comfort food. You'll want to try Elise's awesome deli roll!

I think the girls are more accomplished in areas that challenge me, they know they are needed there. This is what happens when we admit our weaknesses and appreciate another's talents.

Our own limitations give space that often brings out the best in our children. Then we see how each child's particular strengths plays a one of a kind role in the whole of our family. Every person Hashem places in our lives plays a vital role; those in our family and those He brings to our table as guests to eat the healthy, beautiful food He provides.

Now for the Chocolate Chip Cookies!

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed

2 tablespoons soy milk

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 egg

1 3/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375. Line two large baking pans with aluminum foil, shiny side down, making sure there are no ridges and that the foil is completely smooth. Set out racks to cool cookies.

2. In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, milk and vanilla. Beat at medium speed until well blended and creamy. Beat egg into creamed mixture.

3. Combine flour salt and baking soda and mix into creamed mixture until just blended, do not overmix. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Using an ice cream scooper, drop balls of cookie dough staggered 2" apart onto a prepared cookie sheet. Usually eight will fit in the pan.

5. Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 9 minutes just until the edges brown, they will appear to be a little undercooked.

6. Remove from oven, cool for 3 minutes on the cookie sheet, then with a very thin spatula, remove the cookies to the cooling rack to cool completely.

Looking to lighten up? Here's an excellent chocolate chip cookie recipe using oil instead of margarine or shortening. Try these Healthier Chocolate Chip Cookies.