Chocolate-It's What's for Dinner

This is one of my go-to cookies recipes when I'm Jones-ing for something chocolate. In about an hour from set up to clean up, you can have these beauties out of the oven.  I've made them so many times the cookbook opens automatically to their page - so you know this is a good recipe. Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies (Adapted from Nigella Express ) 4 oz bittersweet chocolate (or if you prefer semisweet) 1 c flour 1/4 cocoa, sifted 1 t baking soda 1 t instant espresso powder (optional) 1/2 t salt 1/2 c butter (1 stick) 1/2 c brown sugar 1/4 c sugar 1 t vanilla 1 t chocolate extract (optional) 1 egg - cold from the refrigerator 2 c chocolate chips Melt chocolate, set aside to cool a little. In a small bowl stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda, espresso, and salt.  In a mixer cream butter and sugars together. Add vanilla and chocolate extracts. Mix in egg. Mix in the dry ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips. Use an ice cream scoop (1/4 c) and place do...

Now don't get carried away here and think I'm turning into Store-Bought Sally. I may be using pre-fabbed food here (potato flakes) but take a look further down the recipe list and I'm using homemade cream cheese. Besides Nigella says there's no reason to feel bad. Potato Pancakes with Salmon (Adapted from Nigella Express ) 3 eggs 1/2 c milk 2 scallions, chopped 2 T olive oil 3/4 c instant potato flakes 1/4 c flour 1/2 t baking powder 1/2 t salt 3 oz cream cheese or Creme Fraiche (Homemade but of course) 4-6 oz smoked salmon Fresh Dill In a bowl whisk together eggs, milk, scallions, and olive oil. Stir in potato flakes, flour, baking powder, and salt. Heat griddle and place scant tablespoon-sized dollops of batter. Cook until golden and flip. Set aside to cool. Ready & Waiting Place a small dollop of cream cheese or creme fraiche onto each pancake. Tear off a piece of salmon and place on top. Decorate with a piece of fresh dill. Finito T...