Smile.

How, I don't know. Why, I don't know. But one thing I do know, is that I found 2 large zucchinis on the kitchen counter. And I consider vegetables like zucchini foreign... I don't know why!? Some of the most tasty and delicious meals come from zucchini. But for now, I will have to just improvise...we don't want to waste two lumpy, big zucchinis!

And, this was the outcome of my attempt to take a picture of the zucchini. It wasn't very nice looking, but I tried!

To be honest, I really don't enjoy baking that much, because it involves so much cleaning. But I guarantee that these Chinese Chocolate Chip Cookies are worth the mess!

Chinese Chocolate Chip Cookies/ 4 Dozen

-2 3/4 cups sifted flour

-1 cup granulated sugar

-1/2 teaspoon baking soda

-1/2 teaspoon sea salt

-2 sticks softened butter

-1 large egg, beaten

-1 cup chocolate chips

-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 D.

In a small bowl, combine chocolate chips with vanilla and let sit for about 10 minutes.

Then, sift flour, sugar, baking soda, and slat together in the bowl of an electric mixer. With the mixer on low speed, cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Add the beaten egg, and almond extract, mix until combined. Add in chocolate/vanilla mixture and mix.

Roll the dough into one inch balls and place them two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. Cool on rack.

This recipe tastes so unique, and looks so beautiful, that I saved half the dough to make differently. As they say, you live and you learn, and you can freeze this dough for a long time, and then thaw out and make it even more wonderful. If you don't like chocolate, you could do Chinese ALMOND Cookies, with blanched almonds on top and almond extract. I love that version, but I bet there are even different BETTER versions of this cookie.

The dough...I just love it so much, is so exotic. I love this cookie.

I am so excited for this summer. Because of the terrible weather, I can cook a lot. If the AC unit is on, that is! But zucchini is one of those...things...that is just so summery. It is cool, yet hot, and very refreshing. Also, summer is a very fun time. I love looking at all the beautiful photos I have from this summer--here are a few to wrap up this blog post! But before I actually DO, this post really was enjoyable to make. It made me...smile. As did the cookies, and the thought of lumpy zucchini!

My good friend casts a beautiful shadow in our local neighborhood!

Ahh, the beach! Even the local bay can provide scenic fun!, as seen above and below.

Need I say more?!