CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES WITH ORANGE ZEST

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES WITH ORANGE ZEST

Orange juice replaces the eggs in these chocolate chip cookies. The orange zest imparts a subtle orange flavor!

Makes 5-1/2 dozen

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2 sticks salt-free margarine, softened at room temperature

1/2 c. white sugar

2/3 c. packed brown sugar

1 t. vanilla extract

1/4 c. juice of fresh orange, about 2 oranges depending on size

2-1/4 c. flour

1 t. salt

1 t. baking soda

1-3 t. finely grated orange rind (orange zest)

12 oz. package chocolate chips

In large mixing bowl combine margarine, white and brown sugars. cut sugars into margarine, then beat with sturdy spoon till smooth.

Add vanilla and orange juice. Beat till well-blended.

Combine flour, salt and baking soda in separate bowl. Mix thoroughly, then add to creamed margarine and sugar. Beat till creamy, then stir  the orange zest, followed by the chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. cool on wire rack.

Notes: Not all chocolate chips are free of animal products. Check the ingredient labels to be sure. I use Baker’s brand when I can find them. There are others on the market, which I also use that are not name brands. Check around, then buy a few packages when you do find one absent the animal, so you’ll have them on hand.

Zest the orange before you cut and squeeze it. It’s easier to zest a whole orange, than to  zest a portion of it after it’s squeezed.