A Recipe & An Alex Update

Finally I have a recipe to share. A recipe for Chocolate White Chocolate Chunk Cookies. These cookies are pure chocolate goodness and easy to make. Eat them as they are or smash a large scoop of ice cream between two cookies for a summertime ice cream sandwich. Either way, I think you'll be pleased with this recipe.

Chocolate White Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Recipe by: The Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients:

1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tsps vanilla extract

2 extra-large eggs at room temperature

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp kosher salt

1 1/2 pounds white chocolate, coarsely chopped

Preheat the over to 350 degrees.

Cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the vanilla, then the eggs, 1 at a time, and mix well. Add the cocoa and mix again. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt and add to the chocolate with the mixer on low speed until just combined. fold in the chopped white chocolate.

Drop the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, using a 1 3/4-inch ice cream scoop or a rounded tablespoon. Dampen your hands and flatten the dough slightly. Bake for exactly 15 minutes {cookies will seem underdone}. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now here's an Alex update. . .

The day before surgery we wanted to do something special for the girls. Alex our sweet, huggable, cuddly littlest one has been nothing short of inspirational. She's been through so much more than many of us have ever been through yet she continues to laugh, crack jokes, be silly and at times mischievous without letting any of her medical woes stand in her way. All the while, her big sister Sammy has stood beside her offering words of encouragement, compliments and sometimes has been there just to say, everything will be okay. We felt both girls deserved to be pampered so we took them to Husky Deli in West Seattle for ice cream/

My husband grew up in West Seattle so to have ice cream in the very same place where Jon's parents used to take him was a treat.

We also bought them a pair of these. Have you seen these? Twinkle Toes by Skechers. Sammy has been begging to own a pair and we figured this was good enough reason to get them. They were ecstatic when they opened the boxes. My husband is quite the gift giver and he certainly scored major dad points by bringing home these gems.

The toes light up {sparkly} when they walk.

After dinner and ice cream we took the girls long boarding. They had so much fun staying out past bedtime to ride the concrete before hitting the hay.

We got up early the next morning and made our way to the hospital. For Alex, this is not unusual so she was all smiles knowing that the doctors would take care of her. She didn't even laugh at the sight of me in the bunny suit {as they like to call it} since I've done it so many times before.

Alex's surgery took a good two hours so we kept busy visiting the hospital gift shop and playground.

It usually doesn't take long for Alex to wake-up from the anesthesia, she generally pops right up after surgery. Only this time, I thought for sure she would be in a lot of pain given the type and length of the procedure and instead, she awoke with a smile and a warm hello.

We were so happy to see her. She has to wear this headband day and night for one week. The second week she'll wear it just to bed and then after that, she won't have to wear anything. She'll have to go without her glasses for a full month while her ears heal.

I was happier than I've been in a long time. To see my baby up and about after major surgery was truly a sight for sore eyes.

That night she was more than tired and her mood went from happy to sullen. She'd had a long day. She asked me to stay in her bedroom until she fell asleep -- a small sign to say that she was a little scared. I'm sure Alex was a wee bit afraid at the hospital too but didn't want us to worry. All I wanted to do was sit with her and be by her side.

So far she hasn't experienced much pain and instead complains that her ears are itchy. I told her that the itching is a good sign and means that her ears are getting better. Despite the itching, we've managed to do a lot over the weekend. We went to the Bite of Seattle where the girls ate plenty and then went on rides. The ear surgery hasn't yet stopped Alex from enjoying all that summer has to offer.

 

Last night before bed, Sammy read to Alex and even made her Get Well cards. The two of them are so good to each other -- when they want to be.

   

Lastly I want to thank those of you who have sent uplifting messages and supportive words. Know that Alex received the messages and felt the love. I'm hoping the itchy ears will be short lived and that Alex will be more comfortable over the next few days. Already she is getting better and better about taking her medicine and is very much looking forward to being back to 100%. As for me, I'm going to continue to keep her as comfortable as possible. We're taking vacation in August so the anticipation of our trip gives Alex something positive to look forward to. I think our family is due for a vacation where we can play, relax and enjoy each others company away from computers, work, hospitals and all the scheduled stuff. I can't wait for August!!