The Three Graces

I seek constantly to improve my manners and graces, for they are the sugar to which all are attracted.

Og Mandino, American essayist and psychologist (1923-1996)

The ancient Greeks may have identified their personifications of feminine qualities as "Beauty", "Joy" and "Good Cheer", but I am thinking that the Three Graces should be redefined as Chocolate, Strawberries and Cream.

This insight came to me as I stirred up a batch of White Chocolate Strawberry Chunk Cookies. Now, I will admit that white chocolate is not real chocolate, and that the cream is, in fact, cream cheese, but the result is nonetheless divine.


White Chocolate Strawberry Chunk Cookies
Makes: 5 dozen

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 pkg. (8-ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1-1/2 tablespoons lime zest, grated (about 1 lime)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 pkg. (12-oz.) white chocolate chips
1-3/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped to about the size of chocolate chips * **

* NOTE 1: Because I wanted to freeze these cookies, I used dried strawberries found at the Bulk Barn.
** NOTE 2: If using fresh strawberries, don't chop the strawberries until shortly before you're going to add them to the dough.)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and lime juice and lime zest. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Gently fold in chopped strawberries (if using fresh, drain any accumulated juices first) and white chocolate chips.

3. Gently scoop into balls on a greased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute before removing to wire racks.

Source: The Recipe Shoebox