The following “CHEW THIS!” column originally appeared a in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News” as well as other publications. Check their websites for further information or write to me for more details as to where this can be viewed.

Magnolia Table Inspired Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of “fixer upper” shows because let me be honest, I am not sure I would know which end of a hammer to use! Ha! Much less how to rebuild a bathroom, tear down a wall or build on a whole other level to a house! Are you kidding me!? So when Joanna Gaines released her debut cookbook, “Magnolia Table” I skipped it. That all changed when I found a copy at my local Cracker Barrel store and decided to give it a look. I was impressed! The first recipe I tried – for her chocolate chip cookies – was fabulous! I have several more recipes marked to try but had to rush in and share the chocolate chip cookie recipe with everyone! This cookie has zero white sugar – and all light brown sugar. Less butter too, which surprised me. The cookie is a bit crisp outside and tender inside. The dough is possibly the best I have ever had too! Luckily there was enough dough left after my snacking to bake a few off!

Since then, Joanna has released two more cookbooks and offers a monthly magazine, designed to give people a four times a year look at some of her favorite recipes. She has also expanded her empire to include several shows, a TV network and other product lines. I would not really consider myself a “fan” of the Gaines but I do appreciate their skill, talent and hard work they have put behind trying to climb the latter of where they are currently at. I have several recipes that I would like to try of Joanna’s but I just have not gotten around to them yet. Have you tried any? If you are a fan of her or the show, please drop me a line and let me know some of the recipes I should try. 

Magnolia Table Inspired Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/2 cups white all-purpose flour
Heaping teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line several large baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl whisk together the white all-purpose flour, baking soda and salt.

Beat the soft unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar until lighter and fluffier than starting – and combined.

Beat in the large eggs followed by the pure vanilla extract.

Once the mixture is smooth and silky add in the flour mixture all at once and beat until slightly crumbled but combined.

Beat in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Place larger tablespoon size balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some room between each dough ball.

Bake, one sheet at a time, in preheated oven for 12 minutes. Remove and cool slightly.

Ask and Answer: Debbie R. from New Castle, IN wants to know if I have a recipe for peanut butter fudge. I do, Debbie! Several of them on my website. Check out blaisedoubman.com and search “peanut butter fudge” in the search bar. Thanks!