What a fun filled weekend I’ve had. I know all of you ladies know the Take Home Chef, Curtis Stone right? He came right here to Newport Beach’s Sur La Table yesterday for a book signing and you better believe I made it in line with all of the other drooling ladies. I waited an hour to get a picture and an autographed book. I’d say it was worth it, what a nice guy! My pics are below of my few minutes with him.

Now for my new favorite cookies…..I recently found a great new product at Trader Joes last week called Dark Chocolate Mint UFO’s. They are awesome and I am completely addicted to them. If you are close to a Trader Joes, definitely go get yourself a bag. If you do not have Trader Joes in your town, use dark chocolate chips and a teaspoon or so of mint extract for a similar cookie. The flavor combination here is really good. Even my husband who claims to hate coconut said he really liked these cookies. Hope you all enjoy!

2 sticks melted butter
3/4 Cup brown sugar
3/4 Cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Cups all purpose flour
1/2 Cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 Cups shredded sweetened coconut
2 Cups Trader Joes Dark Chocolate Mint UFO baking pieces

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer, beat melted butter and sugars until well combined. Add in eggs and vanilla until well combined.

2. Place flours, salt and baking soda into a large bowl then slowly add into wet ingredients along with the coconut and dark chocolate pieces until just combined. Scoop dough with a medium cookie scoop onto a silpat or parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until just golden around the edges, but still soft in the center. Let cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to cooling rack.

3 dozen cookies