July Recipe of the Month

Dried Cherry – Chocolate Chunk Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ t. each baking soda and kosher salt
1 cup (6 oz. Dried cherries, roughly chopped)
3 T. THE OLIVE MILL BLACK CHERRY BALSAMIC
8 T. THE OLIVE MILL VANILLA OLIVE OIL
4 oz. Bittersweet chocolate, chopped
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 large egg
½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
¼ cup white sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
½ cup pecans, chopped

Heat oven to 325 degrees.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.  In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.  In a small microwave bowl, stir together the cherries and balsamic.  Microwave on high 1 minute.  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil until warm.  Add 1 oz. chocolate and cocoa, whisking until melted and let cool.  With a mixer, beat the egg with sugars, add vanilla and chocolate/oil mixture; beat 3-5 minutes. Add dry ingredients, then remaining chocolate, pecans and cherries with liquid.  Make 24 balls and place on prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with additional sugar if desired.  Bake 14-16 minutes until tops are slightly cracked, then cool to room temperature.