Care Package

The women in my family were big on care packages. We never left anyone's house without an armload of treats to take home with us, and Mom would have been embarrassed to send anyone home without lots of goodies. I remember receiving packages in the mail from my Aunt Connie, for no special occasion, stuffed with things like an antique pillow case, a silver spoon and a roll of pretty ribbon. I think this has inspired my delight in sending care packages to people I love, to cheer them up, wish them a happy birthday, etc.

This has turned into a little business venture I call Jinjah Cookie. In my spare time (i.e., not as often as I'd like) I bake delicious treats and deliver them to people's homes (sometimes still warm) or send them by courier. I love to see and hear how special people feel when they receive a gorgeous delivery of freshly baked goodies.

Our son recently started university in a different province, and I have been sending him weekly care packages. He loves them! This week's surprise is White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Cookies, and I also tucked in a box of his favourite peppermint tea.

White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Cookies

1 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/4 c. flour
2 tsp. soda
3/4 c. chopped macadamia nuts
1 c. white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together butter and sugars, then add 1 egg at a time, then vanilla, mixing well and scraping the sides of the bowl. Add flour, salt and soda and mix just till combined. Add nuts and chocolate, mixing gently until incorporated.

Using a medium ice cream scoop (or two spoons) drop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, a couple of inches apart. These cookies will spread while cooking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven, allow cookies to cool a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

To package:
Stack 6-8 cookies and place in a clear, cellophane bag (food safe). Tie with a ribbon and a little tag to label the cookies (this is very important for any cookies that contain nuts). I put these little bundles in a sturdy box with a handwritten note, seal it up well and entrust Canada Post to deliver them quickly to their destination (Express service usually gets them there the next day).