Whole Wheat Bread & Chunky Chocolate Cookies

As we begin a new year, we are like every other American and have committed to eating healthier. Last year for Christmas I was given a wheat grinder and Bosch mixer for the sole purpose of being able to make homemade wheat bread. I started out last year with great intentions, but by February, both appliances were packed away in my pantry. Now with a new year here, they are both out again and being used. Let's see how long this lasts......

Aunt Ilona's Whole Wheat Bread

1/2 cube butter, melted
2 1/2 c. hot water
1/4 c. sugar
2 Tblspn instant yeast
1 Tblspn salt
Mix together right in mixing bowl until yeast dissolved.
Then add enough wheat flour to make mushy, about 4+ cups.
Then add:
1/3 c. wheat gluten flour
Mix and scrape bowl.
Then continue to add wheat flour, 1 c. at a time, until the dough starts to pull away from the bottom of the mixing bowl (usually at least 2+ cups)
Mix for 4 minutes.
Keep covered (with loose lid) and let dough rise until doubled in size (about 20 minutes)
Beat dough down for a couple of seconds, then dump onto greased or floured counter.
Divide into 2 equal portions adn put into greased bread pans.
Cover carefully with saran wrap and let rise to size (about 25 minutes).
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
When dough has risen in the pans, handle it very carefully, or it will fall.
Bake for 27 miutes.
I like a softer crust, so I butter the tops of the loaves when they are hot.
Makes 2 large loaves.

Of course, we had to balance out our healthy intentions with a little sweet treat, too. So I tried a new cookie recipe--one that a friend brought to my Christmas cookie exchange. I have made the same chocolate chip oatmeal cookie recipe for 10 years now, thinking nothing else I had tasted even compared...until now. This is a great cookie! Very thick and big, with chocolate chunks. YUM!

Chunky Chocolate Cookies
(thanks to Janet Theriault)

3 sticks butter
1 1/4 c. granulated sugar
1 1/4 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 Tblspn vanilla
Cream together the above ingredients. Then add:
4 1/4 + 2 Tblspn flour (I know, it sounds crazy, but just follow the recipe and it will turn out!)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
When well mixed, add 2 c. chocolate chunks (one small bag)
Drop by LARGE spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10-14 minutes.