And also their neighbours, from as far away as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—abundant provisions of meal, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, oxen, and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.–I Chronicles 12:20
One of my favorite ways to nourish my spirit is baking chocolate chip cookies! It stirs fond memories of making cookies with my mom and sister on rainy days growing up. It’s a way I can express my caring for friends and neighbors. Sampling the dough (yes, I know we’re not supposed to do that) nourishes my body, or at least my taste buds, as well.
The recipe is no secret: it’s the original one from the Toll House brand of chocolate chips. I never look on the package; it’s embedded in my memory.
This year, perhaps for the first time ever, I tried a slightly new version. At my request, Laura Beck tested out a plant-based version of my recipe and sent it to me. I made it for the Dance Fundraiser for CASA. It was a little different; just as tasty! I’ve made the new recipe for the Rest is Resistance Dinner tonight.
I love how this adaptation speaks to nourishment in community. The recipe builds upon tradition–at least my family’s tradition. And it is made new as the community seeks to nourish one another, learning from each other, being attentive to what matters to each other, striving to be inclusive.
Here are the two recipes:
Recipe I used to make with my mom:
2 sticks margarine or butter
1 cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups chocolate chips
Mix, then scoop with two spoons into small cookies on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
Recipe as adapted for the dance
2 sticks Earth balance plant-based butter
1 cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2Tbsp Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer + 4 Tbsp water
2-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups chocolate chips
Mix, then scoop with two spoons into small cookies on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
May we be blessed with sweetness. Amen.