The Big P.B.

In many cookie recipes peanut butter is combined with an equal portion of (comparitively less flavorful!) shortening or butter, loads of sugar, and flour. Invariably I find most peanut butter cookies to be a disappointment: when it comes to peanut butter, more is better and I love the stuff. Just ask my family, who've observed me over the years putting P.B. on waffles, pancakes, pumpkin bread, celery, apple slices, bananas, ice cream...

This peanut butter cookie recipe takes the peanut butter very seriously. The addition of salt helps to tone-down the sweetness of the finished cookie, and the chocolate chips are just a classic foil to P.B. The cookie should finish with a crispy exterior and soft interior.

• 1/2 c crunchy peanut butter
• 1/2 c smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 c granulated sugar
• 1/2 c light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/4 c A.P. flour
• 1/2 c bittersweet chocolate chips (optional)