Chocolate Chunk Cookies w/orange zest

I had a very nice New Years Eve with my husband, son and a good friend of ours who came to visit. We went and had a chinese dinner than came back and played ping pong, I didn't it was too cold in the gargage, and watched a movie until it was time to count the New Year in.

New Years day we went and saw Avatar in 3-D. What a great, great movie! The aliens looks so real! I would actually like to see it again without the 3-D and on IMAX to see what it's like. They need to change those 3-D glasses so they are more comfortable and have them wrap around more, like sport glasses. Maybe I should write a letter. :)

What are some of your favorite sweet combinations? One of mine is chocolate and orange, but only in a cookie. You see I can't eat oranges or drink orange juice because is plays havoc on my body, seriously. No need to go into details, it's just a real bad thing.

So the way I enjoy a bit of orange is, orange zest and chocolate!

If you are looking for a crunchy cookie, these are it!

Hope you like them.

Chocolate chunk cookies w/Orange Zest

3/4 C. pure maple syrup

1/2 C. canola oil (your choice)

2 T. organic sugar

2 tsp. molasses

2 T. brandy(optional)

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

zest from 1 large orange

2 C. spelt flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped into small chunks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

In a mixing bowl combine maple syrup, sugar, molasses, canola, vanilla, vinegar, orange zest and brandy. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until throughly combined.

In a seperate bowl combine, flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder.

Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and just mix until thoroughly combined. Next stir in the chocolate. The dough will be on the softer, sticky side.

Drop Tablespoon size amounts onto cookie sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 12-14 minutes.