the age of innocence and the chocolate chip cookie

When I listen to a child tell a story, it always seems like their view of the world is so pure. I often wonder...at what age do children lose that innocence? Their naivety?

Is it after they begin going to school, and learning to navigate around their territorial world and learn to share? Is it when they have (and lose) their first crush?  Or is it when they begin to listen to the news about the real world outside, and start to realize that sometimes people...even countries, don't get along. Sometimes I wonder, if we as adults have lost our own sense of innocence with the way the world is now.  That sometimes stick and stones aren't the only thing that hurt...

One thing for sure, nothing evokes that feeling of childhood innocence better than biting into a good old fashioned chocolate chip cookie.  It’s simplicity…just a little cookie with little chocolate chips, is a staple in most childhoods…whether ice cream is squished between two cookies, additional ingredients like smarties or nuts are thrown in, or large versions like a “cookie” pizza are made for classroom birthdays.

The world may no longer be innocent, but while eating a simple cookie, maybe we can regain some of that childhood feeling back...even if it's for just for a few moments.

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie
(approx. 2 dozen cookies)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy (approximately 30 seconds)

2. Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds.

3. In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds. Stir in the chocolate chips.

4. Drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet at least one inch apart. Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges. Bake a little longer for a crispier cookie.