Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 - 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
chocolate chips

Cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs mixing well. Add vanilla. Sift together flour, salt and soda. Add to butter mixture slowly stirring well. Add desired amount of chocolate chips. Place on cookie sheets and bake one sheet at a time at 375 degrees. Cookies will bake about 10 minutes, but could be shorter or longer depending on oven.

Makes 4-5 dozen. Stores well in freezer.

Cilantro Pesto

1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic minced
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar (can substitute lemon juice, lime juice or italian dressing)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup walnuts
salt to taste
1/2 cup olive oil


In an electric food processor or blender (or Magic Bullet - yay!), blend cilantro, garlic, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, nuts, and salt. Only add 1/4 cup of the olive oil to the mixture, and blend the pesto. Add more olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Pour pesto in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until pesto begins to simmer. Pour over cooked pasta and toss.