Approaching half way

I blogged about a month ago and I've made 5 batches since then - it's a real motivator to bake as I approach the half way mark.  You would think after baking more than 300 batches, I would've figured out a better way to capture this journey; still not loving the blog.  And I forget to instagram it most of the time.  So I'll just add pictures of the fun things we were doing around these cookies.

#299 Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These two cute adorable girls, down visiting Grandma in Indiana.  

The cookie was amazing - 5 smiley faces.
6 squares (1 oz each) white chocolate, divided
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 pkg (11 1/2 oz) semisweet chocolate chunks

In a microwave, melt three squares of white chocolate at 70% power for 1 minute; stir.  Microwave at additional 10-20 second intervals; stirring until smooth; cool.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition.  Beat in melted chocolate and vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Stir in chocolate chunks.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool for 1 minute before removing to cooling rack.

In a microwave, melt remaining white chocolate.  Drizzle over cookies. 

#300 Strawberry Cookies
These were an interesting cookie - a "shortcut creation" cookie - a quick bake cookie needed for a neighborhood pool party.
Easiest cookie ever - dump a package of strawberry cake mix in with 1 beaten egg.  Fold in an 8 oz container of cool whip.  Roll the balls of dough in powdered sugar and bake at 350 on a greased baking sheet for 10 minutes or so.

#301
What starts out as:

A watermelon cookie.  And I so wish I got a picture of the final product - but alas,  I always forget.

This cookie was fun to make and a novelty, but lacked on taste.

#302 Strawberry Banana Squares
A summer full of bbq's.  We've been living off hamburgers and hot dogs this summer.  Really taking advantage of our yard, play set and hammock chairs.  Have I posted a picture of our playset?

The hammocks are connected to a tunnel bridge that leads to the top of our castle (our shed).

#303 Butterscotch Pecan Slices
A simple slice and bake cookie for our Family Reunion.
And since I don't have a picture of that - how about one of this cutie.