Monkey Bread

PULL-APART (MONKEY) BREAD

2 cups milk 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup shortening 1/4 cup warm water 1 pkg active dry yeast 5 cups all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup butter, melted Dissolve yeast in warm (not hot) water with a pinch of sugar and allow to sit for 5 minutes.Scald milk: Bring nearly to a boil, heating only until tiny bubbles begin to form around the edges of pan, around 190°F. Remove from heat. Stir in shortening and sugar until dissolved. Allow to cool to lukewarm (85°F). Stir in yeast mixture and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Transfer dough to a bowl brushed with oil, turning once to coat dough with oil. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 2 or 3 hours. Add remaining ingredients except for the butter. Knead 4-5 minutes. Allow the dough to rise for another hour. Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt 1/2 cup butter and allow to cool slightly. 1 tablespoon sugar may optionally be added to the butter for a little extra sweetness, if desired. Dust a work surface well with flour. Turn dough out and roll into 1 1/2" to 2" diameter balls. Dip the dough balls into the slightly cooled, melted butter. Arrange in layers in a Bundt pan, tube, or monkey bread pan. Bake in preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, Run a blunt knife along edges of bread to free it from the pan. Remove, upside-down, from pan onto serving dish. The bread may be served either sliced or pulled apart. Best served while still warm from oven.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

* 1 cup butter, softened
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 teaspoons hot water
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
3. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.