3 Super Easy Apps For Your Next Girls' Night In

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

⅓ cup pasteurized egg whites, at room temperature

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a bowl, whisk together the heat-treated flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Add both sugars and mix on medium until light and fluffy — about 4 minutes. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl. Add the egg whites and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes.

Now, add half of the flour mixture, mixing on low just until the powdery texture of the flour disappears, about 15 seconds. Immediately add the remaining flour mixture and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl and mix a final 15 seconds. Remove bowl from mixer and use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chips.

For a fun presentation, serve in the bowl with a cookie scooper as the serving utensil.

Heat-treated flour

Cookie dough gets a bad rap thanks to E. coli, which many people think comes from the raw eggs. But raw flour is risky. Thankfully, it’s easy to kill any lingering bacteria with heat. You can purchase heat-treated flour at www.cookiedonyc.com/products/heat-treated-flour. Or do it at home with the following method — you’ll need a large microwave-safe bowl, a spatula and an instant-read thermometer:

Carefully empty a bag of all-purpose flour into the bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well between each interval. Stir well to make sure none of the ingredient burns. Use the thermometer to test the flour in several places to make sure it has reached 165°F throughout. If you get a lower reading in one area, just stir and heat for an additional 30 seconds until it’s all ready.

Makes about 30 scoops

Credit: Kristen Tomlan, founder of DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections and author of Hello, Cookie Dough: 110 DOUGHLICIOUS CONFECTIONS to Eat, Bake & Share

And last but not least, here is a cozy winter drink that’s perfect for couch-sipping with your GFs!

CHAI TEA HOT TODDY

2 chai teabags

4 teaspoons honey

Juice of ½ lemon

2 ounces whiskey

24 ounces boiling water

Combine all ingredients in a small teapot; gently stir. Let tea bag steep for 3 to 5 minutes before removing and pouring.

Serves 2

Credit: Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney