Jen's Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is similar to Nestle Toll House, but with a couple of variations.

½ c. butter
½ c. shortening
¾ c. white sugar
¾ c. brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 ¾ c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 ½ c. semi-sweet choc. chips


1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In lg. mixer, combine shortening/butter, sugars, and vanilla.
3. Add in eggs and beat.
4. Add in dry ingredients: flour, salt, soda.
5. Add in choc. chips
6. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, or Silpat baking mat,  by spoonfuls.
7. Bake for 9 minutes at 375.

Becca's Hot Chicken Bean Dip

I had a few requests so I thought I'd post this. It's super yummy with tortilla chips!

2 pkg. 8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened (I use the 1/3 less fat)
1 carton 16oz. sour cream (I use the light sour cream)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded
1 can black beans rinsed and drained
3 roma tomatoes chopped fine (we also have used diced tomatoes, drained)
1 cup chopped green onions
1 T. fresh Basil (I use dried too....whatever I have on hand)
5 shakes Tabasco Sauce (I like it less spicy so I use the green Tabasco)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 Cup (plus) cheddar cheese

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and put in 9x13 baking dish. Bake in 350 degree oven for30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve with chips or crackers