Cookies...

As summer begins is slow wind down, we have few enough beach days left.

So, in order to maximize your summer experience and multi-task to boot, the good folks over at Baking Bites have come up with a way to make Chocolate Chip Cookies in your car while it sits in the parking lot at the beach!

Many people have heard of "manifold cooking", you know, making a meatloaf under the hood of your car while driving to Bridgeport to see your crazy Auntie Frimp, but what about dashboard cooking?

As anyone who has ever tried to sit on a nauga-vinyl automobile seat after a day at the beach can attest, the car gets hot.

How hot?

Over 180°F (83°C)!

That's how hot.

Seems like the perfect temperature for cookies!

Car-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups All Purpose (AP) Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Sweet Créme Butter, soft
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 2/3 cup Mini-Chocolate Chips

TECHNIQUE
In a small bowl, whisk together the Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Salt.

In a large bowl, cream together the Butter and Sugars. Beat in the Egg, followed by the Flour mixture and the Chocolate Chips.

Place the dough on a large sheet of wax paper and roll into a log approximately 11-inches long by 2.5-inches wide. Freeze for 2-3 hours, or overnight.

When ready to bake, park your car in the sun on a 100°F+ day.

Slice the cookies into 1/4-inch thick slices and place them on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Place the baking sheet on the car dashboard (with a protective towel underneath) and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until done.

If you have a big dashboard (or a friend with another car), you can do two batches at once, otherwise you can save half of the dough for another day.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies and deodorizes the car!

Thanks to Baking Bites for the recipe and the photographs.