Vintage 1941 Chocolate Chip Cookies

My favorite cookbook is Better Homes and Gardens.  I have two copies, both of which are falling completely apart.  One I received as a wedding gift twenty five years ago.  My daughter has a third copy.  I recently found a Better Homes and Gardens chocolate chip cookie recipe that interested me because it used equal parts shortening and butter.  

Any time a cookie recipe uses shortening, I know it will turn out beautifully—crisp on the outside, gooey goodness on the inside.  This recipe turned out perfectly the first time, and more importantly, the raw cookie dough was delicious!   

What do you think?  Do you prefer using shortening in your baked goods.  Does it make a difference?

Vintage 1941 Better Homes and Gardens Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Get the recipe HERE.

1⁄2 c. shortening 

1⁄2 c. butter 

1 c. packed brown sugar 

1⁄2 c. granulated sugar 

1⁄2 t. baking soda

2 eggs 

1 t. vanilla 

2-1⁄2 c. all-purpose flour 

1, 12-oz. package (2 c.) semisweet chocolate pieces 

1-1⁄2 c. chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts (filberts) (optional) 

1. In a large mixing bowl beat the shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. 2. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking soda. 3. Beat mixture until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. 4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined. 5. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. 6. Stir in remaining flour. 7. Stir in chocolate and, if desired, nuts. 8. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. 9. Bake in a 375 degree oven 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. 10. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool completely. 11. Makes about 60 cookies. 

Note: To measure shortening with ease, place plastic wrap in the measuring cup and pack cup with shortening using a rubber spatula. Pull plastic wrap out of the cup and drop the shortening into the mixing bowl. Throw plastic wrap away—no mess!

The Lady's Chicken Nuggets

Originally a Paula Dean recipe, this has become a family favorite!  These nuggets make a great appetizer, family meal or a filling snack.  This would also work well in a sack lunch.  They are best served warm.  If you make Paula's dip, do it first so it can be chilling and thickening up while you fix the nuggets.

Paula D's Chicken Nuggets (print recipe)

6 chicken breast fillets

2 c. crushed sour cream & onion chips (I use more than I probably should)

1-2 eggs

2-4 T. milk

1/2 c. butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spread the crushed potato chips in a shallow dish.  Beat together the egg and milk in a shallow bowl.  Dip the chicken, (cut into 1-1/2 in. cubes), into the egg mixture and then dredge them in the chips.  Place the chicken nuggets on a greased baking sheet and DRIZZLE WITH MELTED BUTTER, (sometimes I forget).  Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.  The chicken nuggets can be frozen after baking.  Serve with your favorite sauce, such as ranch dressing or honey mustard. 
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce (print recipe)
3/4 c. mayonnaise
3 T. honey
2 T. yellow mustard
1 T. lemon juice
creamy style horseradish to taste
1 T. orange juice, more or less
Combine mayonnaise, honey, mustard, lemon juice, and horseradish; stir well.  This with enough orange juice to make a pouring consistency for dressing, or dipping consistency for dip.