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By the time you read this, Lord willing, we'll be back on good old USA soil after a two week visit to London. We're actually winging our way through clear blue skies, miles above the Atlantic Ocean, as I write.
It was a wonderful visit with family and we definitely learned all about quintessential London winters. Cold .... wet.... miserable. Our daughter Cait, who's lived in the UK for almost four years now, has often shared with us how damp, cloudy and bone-chillingly cold the winters can be. Don't tell her, but a teeny part of us didn't believe it, not because she isn't extremely trustworthy, but because the weather's been so lovely every time we've visited England (several times a year since she moved).
We've fallen in love with London over the past few years, a bustling and vibrant melting pot of a city with eight million people, fascinating cultures and a rich history. We've enjoyed riding the famous double decker buses, admiring the charming 17th and 18th century architecture, strolling along the meandering River Thames and taking the children on outings to the lovely green parks that are scattered generously throughout the city. We're always amazed at the abundance of beautiful flowers, verdant plants and vines that seem to spill from every nook and cranny, making me wonder, "Does everyone in England have a green thumb?"
Then there's the royalty. In additional to the Queen and all of her entourage, many other things in London are quite "royal"; there's the Royal Post, numerous royal hospitals, the various royal boroughs, royal colleges, royal ballet companies, museums, opera houses, icing and ............... are you ready? Even a royal circus! So fun and quite a contrast from life on our side of the Atlantic.
All this said, we did experience a very different side of London during this visit. Our travels to England in the past have, for the most part, been in the spring and fall which skewed our perspective just a bit. Well, maybe quite a bit. The lovely, clear blue skies and mild temperatures that we've experienced in the past, are NOT the norm in London's winter months. This time there was day after day of blustery wind, heavy rain and chilly temperatures. Hats, mittens, down jackets and umbrellas were all a must.
But time with family made the overall experience warm and fun. When there were a few days with periods of sunshine, we spent as much time as possible outdoors, gulping in the intoxicatingly clear, dry air. Scott was even able to pull out the camera and capture a bit of the glory. In between, we either donned our rain gear and braced the elements, or snuggled inside, listening to the rain pelting on the roof and enjoying family and a warm, dry home.
When (and if) the weather is pretty, we love strolling along the Thames |
The architecture of the buildings along the Thames is breathtaking! |
See what I mean? When it's pretty, it's REALLY pretty (and when it's not, it's miserable!) |
Did you know that cookies are a wonderful anecdote to gloomy weather? It's true,; 🙂 you can mix up a batch in no time flat, kids love to help and when the wonderful aroma begins to waft through the house, it's easy to forget even a wet cold London day.
I'm always a huge sucker for a great new chocolate chip cookie recipe. When I saw these 5-Star Chocolate Chip Cookies on the Land O' Lakes website and read all of the rave reviews, I couldn't resist "giving them a go"- as my grand-girls say.
And they didn't disappoint, they were a big hit with everyone who tried them.
Oh, and we have a new taste-tester. Scott and I got to keep little Luke for a few days while mommy, daddy and the older children got away on a little adventure. Luke has graduated from baby to toddler and it was fun to have lots of one-on-one time with him. He kept us laughing and also kept us quite busy as he's into everything these days (and can climb four sets of steps faster than you can say "jack be nimble"). After he ate his yogurt, he loved trying a sample of the cookies. Although he's not talking yet, I think Luke's expressions will tell you everything you need to know ............
- 1 ½ cups butter softened
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 1 ¼ cups firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
- 8 ounce package toffee bits I used Heath Bits'o Brickle
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Heat oven to 375°F. Line cookies sheets with parchment paper, if desired, for easy clean-up. If you're not using parchment paper, sheet pans do not need to be greased.
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Combine butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla in bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy.
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Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; beat at low speed until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips and toffee bits.
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Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto prepared sheet pans. Bake 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack.
~ This makes a huge batch of cookie. You can cut the recipe in half but they do freeze well They also make wonderful treats to give to friends, neighbors, teachers, etc.
Beth says
Your photos of England are gorgeous; your photos of Luke are adorable! So glad you had a good time despite the chill. Sounds like a wonderful holiday, and thanks for the cookie recipe.
Kitchen Riffs says
I was in England once in January, and the weather was miserable. Not truly cold, but chilly enough. And wet, wet, wet. Not fun. Anyway, love these cookies - what a great welcome home treat!
Anonymous says
No wonder your cute little grandson was smiling. I just finished baking these, and they are delicious--chewy centers with crisp edges. Used dark chocolate chips. Just my preference.
Danielle says
These cookies would definitely make me feel better...we came back from Christmas in Scotland to find water dripping through the roof/ceiling into our bedroom, not the best welcome back! I'm sure you have heard that the rain practically has not stopped in London and other parts of the UK since you left, although we have a brief respite this morning. Seeing Luke's sweet face has cheered me up as has the thought of making a batch of these super cookies! P.s. I thought I had been leaving comments recently but alas it seems I am selecting the wrong profile for just a reader not a blogger 🙁
Chris Scheuer says
Oh my goodness Danielle, that was not a fun homecoming, so sorry to hear about the roof. Hope it's gotten repaired by now. I did hear it was still raining in London. I guess there's a small consolation in that all the winter rain must be part of what makes the flowers so glorious in the spring. 🙂
Danielle says
Thank you, Chris, plans are underway for repairs and really, in the scheme of things it is nothing compared to the people who have been flooded in the southwest or what the northern and eastern parts of the US and eastern Canada are going through right now. I hope you are skipping the worst of it in Nth Carolina. I can't imagine what those below freezing temps are like! And that's true, the rain does make for a very green and glorious side to things in spring 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
You are a very good sport Danielle! I really appreciate your attitude of thinking of others in the midst of difficulty in your own life. It is really crazy cold here in NC but no snow so that's wonderful.
GLENDA CHILDERS says
I have been thinking about you in London with your sweet family. Didn't you just go for Luke's birth. He is so cute. Welcome back to cold here, too.
I am on a few weeks of no sugar after the goodies of Christmas, but I will keep this delicious recipe for later.
Fondly,
Glenda
Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
Chris, I understand the east coast is having foul weather too. Hope you are staying dry. Love the photos of London and the baby. Luke is really growing fast. Oh, and I almost forgot - I got distracted by London and Luke, your cookies look delish.
Hovkonditorn says
Beautiful pictures and yummy cookies!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Chris: The scene photos are jaw-dropping...And your grandson is so beautiful. He really enjoyed both the cookies and yogurt. I need to have a stack of those cookies which were approved by Luke!
Danielle says
I do believe these cookies would make me feel better, dear Chris, thank you for the pick-me-up....as no doubt you have heard that the rain in London (and elsewhere in the UK) has not really stopped at all since you left. And there's more to come. It's been so bad we came home from Christmas in Scotland(yup, rained there too) to find water dripping through the ceiling in our bedroom! Ah well, onwards and upwards....and these cookies!
Sophia Del Gigante says
Oh myyyy this look amazing! Like picture perfect, did you sprinkle some chips on top to get them to look so perfect? I love them! They also look so nice and chewy!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Sophia, I do like to sprinkle a few chips on the top when they're almost done baking, then pop them back in the oven for a few more minutes. It's not necessary at all but it does make them more "photogenic" 🙂
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
I think cookies make everything better:@)
Cuisine de Provence says
These cookies look very yummy and little Luke is so cute!
Debra Eliotseats says
Luke is a cutie and you are so correct...cookies make anything better (even dreary London weather)! Safe travels.
Kim G. says
There is nothing better to satisfy a sweet tooth than chocolate chips and toffee cookies:) I bet winter in London aren't easy but you should see around here this year... So freezy I can't wait for some warmy weaters!
Anne@FromMySweetHeart says
Welcome back Chris! I hope you enjoyed the time spent with your family (Luke is a sweetie....that smile just melts your heart!). And these cookies are pretty sweet, too! Those toffee bits would certainly cheer me up any day!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
The cookies look delicious and Christmas just sounds wonderful! One day I must make it to London, it sounds so beautiful!
Sue/the view from great island says
I loved reading about your visit across the pond, Chris. Scott's photos are breathtaking!
Angie Schneider says
Luke is so adorable. Those chocolate cookies look beyond delicious!
La Table De Nana says
Ah..you must have had a ball:-)
He's so cute too..
Aren't they just delicious at that age?
Wish we had more:-)
Cookies look so good too..bet you found some treasures to bring home...
Mary Hirsch says
I'm sold. Luke's made a believer out of me. These cookies look delicious. I've often thought that the recipes printed on the packaging of products or on websites are, for the most part, terrific. The R&D departments for food products are real pros at the recipe game. Happy New Year 2014.
Cathy says
Welcome back!! Great pictures of London and Luke. He is adorable. If I can find the toffee bits, I'll be making these tomorrow.
Cathy says
Found the toffee bits and made them. DELICIOUS!!! Thanks for another great recipe, Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for getting back to us Cathy. So glad you enjoyed them!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These cookies look incredible, I love toffee with chocolate!
Cathleen says
O.M.G.! Luke is adorable! And the photos of London are beautiful! The cookies sound and look delicious by the way, but I have to say, Luke stole the show!
Paula B. says
Sounds like a wonderful Christmas holiday with your daughter and her family. And you got to have some one on one time with Luke, how wonderful! These cookies look delish and I will be trying them very soon. (Having spent a few Christmases in Ireland, I can easily relate to those rainy, cold, winter days, but it is nice by the fire).... Happy New Year and Welcome Home!.
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Magnificent chocolate chip cookies, Chris! I will be pinning them to wonderful group boards at Pinterest to share with others. 🙂 Thanks for sharing about your adventures in London over the Christmas holiday. Sounds like you had a fabulous time even though the weather was a bit cold and wet. I love that gorgeous third photo! Love, love. What a darling taste-tester, too! So sweet. Warmest wishes to you and yours for a Happy & Healthy New Year!