Dessert - Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

I LOVE baking.  Every once in a while I like to fancy things up and try a new, elaborate recipe ready to impress.  Do my boys care?  Not really.  They're more than happy to gobble up banana bread and Nana's homemade biscuits.  The simpler the better.  My search for the BEST chocolate chip cookie...not so simple.

Since a young age, I've probably tried hundreds of different chocolate chip cookie recipes.  While reading my favourite blog Listen To Lena! two years ago, I came across a recipe for Anna Olson Chocolate Chip Cookies.  I just had to try them!  One word...DELISH!!!  I haven't used another recipe since.  My family loves them as do my co-workers.  These cookies have a special secret ingredient - cornstarch.  The cornstarch makes the cookies chewy and soft, perfect for dipping in milk.  And perfect for making Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches!

The chocolaty goodness - hot out of the oven!

With a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies sitting on my counter, I decided to make a special treat after a Saturday night dinner.  I let some vanilla ice cream soften just a little, and pressed a spoonful between two cookies.  It was a big hit!  Look for a good quality ice cream, one made with real cream.  I used M&M Meat Shops Vanilla Satin Cream Ice Cream which is rich and creamy and full of flavour.

Homemade ice cream sandwiches - can't get any better!

Here is the recipe for what will soon be your favourite chocolate chip cookies!

Chocolate Chip Cookies... à la Lena... à la Anna Olson 

Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
8 oz bittersweet chocolate, cut into chunksDIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Cream together butter and sugars until smooth. Add egg and vanilla and blend in. Stir in flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chunks.  
3. Drop by tablespoons onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown around the edges. Let cool slightly and enjoy.

Big-A's version of "Man vs Food"!

*TIPS*

1. Although bittersweet or dark chocolate chips/chunks work best with this recipe, substitute for semi-sweet or milk chocolate if needed.

2. I have margarine in my fridge more often than I have butter.  I have used margarine in this recipe many times and there is almost no difference.
3. If you're making the ice cream sandwiches for a special occasion, prepare them ahead, place on a baking sheet in your freezer and remove from freezer 5 minutes before serving.
4. This dessert is a great alternative to cake or cupcakes at a child's birthday party.  Bake small, bite-size cookies.  Roll the ice cream sides in mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut or colourful sprinkles.

This may not be the healthiest dessert but I believe that you have to enjoy the good things in life, in moderation of course.  This is not a regular dessert offered to my boys, but it is a nice change once in a while, from the usual yogurt and fruit.