Chocolate Extravaganza

I had an Enrichment activity at my house, and everyone brought their favorite chocolate recipe to share. February is definitely the month of chocolate, and the ladies from my ward brought some sweet nothings that were downright delicious. We had chocolate-dipped strawberries, handmade chocolates, and cookies, as well as a layered chocolate pudding dessert that was to die for. Here's the recipe I used (and yes, I got it off of my box of Crisco):

Chewy Brownie Cookies
2/3 cup (2/3) stick shortening
1-1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz. package)

1. Heat oven to 375º F

2. Combine shortening, brown sugar, water, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat eggs into creamed mixture.

3. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Mix into creamed mixture at low speed just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Drop by rounded measuring tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet.

5. Bake one baking sheet at a time at 375º F for 7 to 9 minutes, or until cookies are set. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cookies will appear soft and moist. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to cooling rack.

MAKES ABOUT 3 DOZEN COOKIES