While it’s certainly a yummy-looking cookie recipe which I will indeed try (I’ve just been surfing for new recipes for xmas), you do know that this is NOT a true story, nor is it N.M’s recipe, right? This hoax is literally over 50 years old, starting with a 1948 cookbook, Massachusetts Cooking Rules, Old and New, and their recipe for “$25 Fudge cake,” with the following explanation for the name: " This friend had to pay $25 upon the receipt of the recipe from the chef of one of the railroads. She had asked for the recipe while eating on a train. The chef gladly sent it to her, together with a bill for $25, which her attorney said she had to pay. She then gave the recipe to all her friends, hoping they would get some pleasure from it."
Later, in the 60’s, the story became about the Waldorf-Astoria, the desert was changed to red-velvet cake, and the dollar amount to $350! (Talk about inflation!) The one I remember best was in the 70’s and 80’s, when it was Mrs. Field’s chocolate chip cookies for $250.
You want to know the best part, though? Neiman Marcus (who don’t call their eateries “Neiman Marcus Cafe,” but “Zodiac”) never sold cookies - until this story became popular! They developed a “Neiman Marcus Cookie” when a bunch of their customers kept asking for them because they got this email! Life imitating art, indeed - I think my head just exploded…
Plus, Neiman Marcus gives away any recipe you ask for, for free, and always has. The recipe for their cookie is available at their website. It’s nothing like the one above, but it looks mighty good, too (espresso powder! Oh my God!). Here it is, if you’re collecting recipes:
NM Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
An urban myth is a modern folk tale, its origins unknown, its believability enhanced simply by the frequency with which it is repeated. Our signature chocolate chip cookie is the subject of one such myth. If you haven't heard the story, we won't perpetuate it here. If you have, the recipe below should serve to refute it. Copy it, print it out, pass it along to friends and family. It's a terrific recipe. And it's absolutely free.
Ingredients
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 egg
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1-3/4 cups flour
* 1-1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder, slightly crushed
* 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Cream the butter with the sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop by large spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, or 10 to 12 minutes for a crispier cookie. Makes 12 to 15 large cookies.
Check out Snopesfor the full story. It’s a great website on hoaxes.
So yum! Two new recipes and a hoax busted. And it’s not even 8 AM yet.
Have a wonderful holiday, everyone!.