New Tricks

My monthly blog came due just when I was thinking of trying a new cookie recipe. Guess which task won out? Brown Butter Toffee Cookies sound irresistible, no? I’m the first to admit that I’m not a good cook (neither is my protagonist, Remy Lane). I do have a fair hand with baking. Oh, nothing fancy, mind you. I’m talking about the type of desserts you take to the PTA school fundraiser, not Baked Alaska or Lemon Tiramisu. My children never complained though.
 
Facing another birthday (and a BIG one at that), I’ve decided to take on fresh challenges. You know, teach this old dog some new tricks. Might as well begin with Brown Butter Toffee Cookies. There I was, stirring butter as it melted in a saucepan wondering just how different it would taste once it turned brown. In truth, I couldn’t discern any difference. I’ve often felt that chefs and online cooks tend to make a big production out of each recipe, certainly more than is necessary in my eyes. They toss in all sorts of extra steps that, to me, seem a bit of a bother with little impact on the final product.
 
I suppose it is all about personal perceptions. There is no doubt that our perception becomes our reality. If an Asian chef labors over our stir-fry pepper steak then it must surely be better than what we picked up last week at the grocery store’s deli. Or is it? Perception vs. reality. I read of a wine tasting test where experienced wine judges were unable to consistently tell the difference between a $15 bottled red and a $150 bottled red. I know an absolutely charming sommelier in England who would beg to differ – with a very posh British accent – but food and wine are simply all too subjective. And what of our aging taste buds?
 
I decided to set my doubts aside and fuss over the cookies, taking the extra steps, browning the butter, chilling the dough, and only using kosher salt. I ended up with some fine-tasting cookies, but when haven’t I? Still, I’ll use this recipe again because it meets a more important standard: It taught this rather old dog a new trick. On to the next challenge.