Julie Arduini's Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and ---maybe one day---the chocolate. She’s the author of the contemporary romance series SURRENDERING TIME, (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged,) as well as the stand-alone novella, MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN. She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. Her latest release, YOU’RE AMAZING, is a book for girls ages 10-100, written with her teenaged daughter, Hannah, and is book 2 in their SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ series. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com, where she invites readers to subscribe to her monthly newsletter full of resources and giveaway opportunities.

Julie's Latest Book Release - Restoring Christmas

Holly Christmas left Geneseo Valley and her family’s holiday tourist attraction, The Christmas Mansion, as soon as she graduated. Now both her parents have passed, and Holly returns when her uncle needs her help running the mansion. On Holly’s first day back, a blunt middle-schooler proclaims Holly hates Christmas. His comment forces her to reconcile the past while planning for the mansion’s future.

Kevin Holt is invested in offering hope to students with challenges. His best friend’s son is in Kevin’s class, and Nathan needs guidance. Their community project placement at The Christmas Mansion is an opportunity to make a positive difference. When Nathan blurts out his thoughts to the beautiful co-owner, Kevin wonders if he has what it takes to help restore the mansion to its former glory, mentor Nathan, and convince Holly Christmas she’s exactly where she needs to be. Buy the book HERE.

Julie's Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

These were a favorite snack growing up when I visited my best friend’s house. I don’t love bananas, yet these are just a hint of banana against the gooey chocolate chip. My son still asks for these, and he’s 21.

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 ¾ cups unsifted flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup sour milk
1 cup mashed banana
2 cups chocolate chips

Cream shortening. Gradually add sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in separate bowl. Add alternately with sour milk and bananas to shortening mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoon on greased cookie sheet. 375 for 10-12 minutes.