Saying Goodbye to 2012

I can’t say I’ll be sad to see 2012 to go.  I think a lot of great things came out of 2012.  I guess I’m just excited to see what 2013 will bring.  But, let’s close out 2012 first.

Things in 2012 I’m thankful for (no particular order):

 

• Any medical issues, many trips to the doctor, were not anything that can’t be corrected if I listen to my doctor.
• Winning a jackpot for $1,057 at Lakeside Casino in January.  I’ve never won that much before.
• The state auditing my 2009 return.  I found out there was a typo on my federal return and turns out the IRS owed me $600 instead of me owing the state almost $500.
• I made it through the whole year completing one item on my New Year’s Resolution.  Small as it may seem I decided to try, like, or even love the little avocado.  I did, I do, and even my daughter likes guacamole now.
• The many Twitter Parties (though won in 2011) made it possible for my daughter to spend two wonderful weeks at Sanborn Western Camps in Colorado this summer. And, the road trip to take her.  But even more so the safe trip to pick her up in the middle (literally) of the terrible forest fires.
• My mom is healthy and I and my daughter were able to spend some quality time with her.  It’s one of the reasons I came home to raise my daughter.
• My sister lives in the same town.  We laugh, cry, confide, shop, eat and whine.  If not for her I’d be an emotional disaster most the time.  She calms me down, helps me through crisis even if it’s all in my head.
• My best friend.  He’s there to help me move, which seems to be about every two years.  He’s never judgmental.  We both have many faults but see past them all to remain friends for over 20 years.
• I found an apartment that takes pets and has washer/dryer hookups.  I may miss my garage, but in the tight rental market in this town I shouldn’t complain.
• All the bloggers out there that I now follow.  I appreciate their time, dedication, advice, reviews, personal stories and of course their giveaways.  I am not a blogger and will never pretend to be one.  Though I do have a blog lol.
• Pinterest.  Who would have thought huh?
• Facebook.  I stay connected with friends and bloggers.  I’m quite addicted.
• Twitter.  Another addiction.  I have not done well in Twitter Parties this year, but I still enjoy the posts, comments. 
• The safe return of my nephew from active duty.
• My daughter making it to swim state finals her first year in swim team at age 7.
• I didn’t have to survive a tornado, a fire, a hurricane, a severe winter snow storm, a shooting, a robbery, a death, or other disaster.

I'm sure there is more, but I know I'm lucky, so bring on 2013.

Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies

What to do on a Sunday evening?  Make the Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies but use chocolate chunks instead.  

I’ve always used this recipe…ok, not always but for at least 20 years now.  

I planned on making them for my nephew.  They have always been his favorite.  Though we have had no plans all week I’m just getting around to making them.  That shows the motivation I have during vacation.  But, the funny part, my nephew is on his way to the Liberty Bowl.  No cookies for him.

It was just one little thing after another.  

First, the brown sugar was pretty darn hard.  I guess the lid wasn’t on very tight after the last time I used it.  

Second, the hand mixer didn’t want to mix tonight.  I don’t follow directions.  I just throw everything together and let the mixer do it all.  I’ve never had an issue about not creaming this or slowly mixing in dry ingredients.

Third, the big mixer went power surge crazy and took off like a shot.  This led to a spray of batter everywhere including up the sides of the bowl.  

Fourth, I haven’t made cookies forever.  I have been terrible about using my best cookie sheets for other foods.  A total no no in my book.  I am now regretting it…lol.

Fifth, I used a bigger scoop than normal.  I decided to switch when I added the nuts and I didn’t adjust my cook time.  Ok, they were a little done.  Not burnt, just really done. I also have to do half without nuts, and the last half with my favorite, walnuts.

Without nuts, large scoop:

With nuts, small scoop:

 

Even though it seemed like one little frustration after another, they taste as wonderful as always. NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® knows cookies!

Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

* May be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week or in freezer for up to 8 weeks.