We're definitely going to bake some cookies!

I have the great, good fortune, to be participating in Arm and Hammer’s Switch and Save Challenge, which means I get to try new products and take a good look at old favorites, plus share what I find with all of you!  This week definitely qualifies as “an old favorite”.  Arm and Hammer Baking Soda is as common and trusted a brand as could be found, in our household.  Like many of you, I grew up with this very familiar product.  It is the box I reach for each time I need that leavening power in my baking and it is my go-to cleanser, when I have a tough stain that needs extra oomph, without being too abrasive –like the glass doors on our woodburning fireplace.

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda is a staple in our home.

If you own a woodburning fireplace with glass doors, you will know exactly what I mean when I say they propose a tough cleaning problem.  Regular glass cleaners don’t have the power to cut through the smoky, baked-on stains and abrasive cleaners run the danger of scratching the glass.  Arm and Hammer baking soda is a perfect solution.  Using a damp cloth, I rub the stubborn stain with baking soda and easily remove the mess without damaging our glass doors.  A quick rinse with clear water and drying with a soft cloth and the glass sparkles like new!

I went down to the basement to get a picture of me scrubbing this glass clean with Arm and Hammer Baking Soda and found that my sweet, overachieving husband had already done it. So, while you missed the demonstration -- just look at that sparkle! (Note, the ashes are still inside, though. - lol)

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda is 100% pure sodium bicarbonate.  When heated, it releases carbon dioxide making our doughs and batters rise; and it contributes to the light, porous texture of the baked goods made from our favorite recipes.  For me personally, it’s the only leavening I use when making cookies.  Our family prefers soft, chewy cookies with a slightly crisp outer crust.  Baking soda causes the perfect rise, without rising so high that the cookies have a “cake-like” texture.  Arm and Hammer Baking Soda is a critical ingredient in achieving the perfect texture in our favorite cookie recipes!

Ooey, gooey chocolate chip cookies. They're the perfect texture - crisp outside, soft and chewy inside. That's the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda - just enough rise to be perfect, but not enough to be tall, cake-like and dry.

It gives me great confidence to know that when I use Arm and Hammer Baking soda, it is a natural and pure product.  I don’t have to worry about dangerous additives in my recipes, nor am I concerned about chemicals coming in contact with kitchen surfaces or toys that my children or grandchildren may use, when I clean with it.  For frugal-minded families living on a budget, Arm and Hammer Baking Soda is a great value at less than $1 per box!

And just in case you’re feeling the need to whip up some of those yummy chocolate chip cookies for your own family, here’s my recipe. 

(This recipe post is linked to Tasty Tuesday and These Chicks Cooked.)

Anxious to see how it’s done?  It’s a pretty basic recipe, but here are a few pictures to encourage you.

1. Cream the butter and sugars.
   

   Butter, white sugar and brown sugar in my Bosch mixer.

2. Beat in the eggs.

   

   Add eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

3. Add the flour, Arm and Hammer Baking Soda and salt.

   

   Stir in the flour, Arm and Hammer Baking Soda and salt, mixing until a soft dough is formed.

4. Add rolled oats and vanilla.

   

   Oatmeal and vanilla added to dough.

5. Mix in the chocolate chips.

6. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.

7. Bake in a 350° oven for 12 minutes.  Don’t overbake!  They will be just turning brown around the edges and will continue to cook after you pull them out.  Trust me!    You will have a perfect, chewy, chocolate chip cookie!

Heavenly

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This is a sponsored post for Church & Dwight Co., Inc, the maker of ARM & HAMMER branded products, who is compensating me to try different products. Save 50¢ off two 2lb or 4lb boxes of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda. And be sure to visit The Switch & Save Challenge to tap into more resources and enter to win $25,000.