Double Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Long Weekend

Thanks for all your kind wishes but sadly we are very much still in the grip of chicken pox. Darling daughter has recovered enough to return to school tomorrow, however darling husband is still unwell. Very very unwell in the way that adults seem to get when they catch childhood diseases. So the gorgeous Australia Day long weekend saw us confined to barracks, with lots of DVDs, and general mooching around. On the bright side, it was a last chance to catch our breath before school starts for the year tomorrow. And, fingers crossed, maybe he will start to improve tomorrow....

These chocolate biscuits (cookies) from Bill Granger are very easy and very more-ish; I love teh slight salty taste. They got a big thumbs up from both darling daughters. Incidentally, the recipe makes a huge number - Bill claims 30, but I got more than 50, so feel free to halve the recipe and you will still have more biscuits than you know what to do with. Unless all you have to do is ponder the giant long weekend crossword. Anyone know what a slang term for a New South Welshman is? Cockroach doesn't fit.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

from "Simply Bill" by Bill Granger
250g unsalted butter, softened
350g soft brown sugar
1 tsp natural vanilla extract
2 eggs lightly beaten
310 g plain flour
60g cocoa powder
2 tsps baking powder
2 tsps sea salt
350g dark chocolate, chopped

Preheat the oven to 180C. Beat together the butter and sugar, until fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla, incorporating everything well. Sift in the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt, then stir in until just combined. Place large spoonfuls on baking trays lined with baking paper, leaving some room for spreading. Cook for 15-20 minutes, then cool on trays for a couple of minutes before transferring to wire racks. As soon as they are completely cool, put them into an airtight box, so the humidity does not make them soggy.