CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

2 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 sticks butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs, beaten

1 tablespoon vanilla

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 cups chocolate chips, 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl stir together flour, salt, and baking soda. In another large bowl stir together butter, both sugars, eggs, vanilla and cocoa. Gradually stir flour mixture into butter mixture and mix until combined. Stir chocolate chips and walnuts, if using, and stir to distribute evenly.

For cookies: Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets and bake about 10 minutes. Cool on a baking rack.

For bars: Pat dough into a greased 9 inch square baking pan and bake 20 to 25 minutes. Cut into squares when cooled.

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP

1/2 lb. extra-lean ground beef
1 egg lightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. onion powder
5 3/4 cups chicken broth
2 cups thinly sliced spinach (without stems)
1 cup uncooked pasta (small stars)

In a medium bowl, combine meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil, and onion powder; shape into 3/4 inch balls. (balls swell when cooked - make small - I browned meat balls lightly in a frying pan, before adding to broth)

In a large saucepan, heat broth to boiling; stir in spinach, pasta, and meat balls.  Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium.  Cook at slow boil for 10 min., or until pasta is al dente.  Stir frequently to prevent sticking.