Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sometimes you just have to give in. Give in to putting that alarm to sleep for five more minutes. Give in to going for a walk outside just to feel the sun on your face. And give in to yourself and that nagging little voice inside of you that says, "I don't feel like going to the gym today... I feel like making cookies." How I both love and despise that little voice.

I have been reading about organizing your time and your life lately and it's been some interesting research. I'm one of those people that's always got a to-do list going. Every day starts with creating the list and every day ends with an evaluation of how much got done. What I have realized is that I never specifically put fun things on the to-do list. The to-do lists are always about work or chores... writing papers, cleaning the apartment, running errands. As a result, fun things tend to get pushed aside for more "productive" endeavors.

I have never put "make cookies" on my to-do list. But, that certainly changed today. Cookies are an important part of life that often get forgotten in my world. I have decided it is time to bring them back -- along with all my other forgotten treasures like spending more time with friends, creating art, and traveling. And besides, making cookies isn't all about me. There are many people in my life in need of cookies: Ashley, youth at Lambert House, fellow graduate students... I bet if you try real hard you can find some people in your life too.

What's at the top of your to-do list today? What can you throw out and replace with "make cookies"? Or, better yet, make an entire afternoon out of "eating cookies." I think that's on my list for tomorrow.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup Earth Balance, softened
3/4 cup granulated vegan sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Egg replacer for 2 eggs
2 cups (12-ounce package) vegan chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl
2. Beat Earth Balance, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in large mixer bowl
3. Add egg replacer one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture.
4. Stir in chips and nuts
5. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets
6. Bake in preheated 375-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown
7. Let stand for 2 minutes, remove to wire racks to cool completely.