Chocolate Chips

I have been married for almost 8 years, and much of my kitchen is still stocked with the wedding gifts that we were given back in 1998. Every time I use my small blue pot I think of Donna Evans. Every time I pull out my New Cook Book I think of Mark and Michelle Motley. Every time I use my cutco knife I think of my mom. Everytime I pull out my hand mixer I think of Brittnye Dougherty and that she said: "I can't believe I am giving you a hand mixer at your bridal shower right now" when she gave it to me. I don't remember who gave me my blender, toaster, skillet, pot, rolling pin etc. For some reason some gifts stick out in my mind more than others. I am so grateful that I am reminded of these people every time I use the items. So, what does this have to do with chocolate chips?

One of our tales girls who does NOT contribute (yes there are more than 18 of us), moved (big surprise) about a year ago. She came over and gave me everything in her freezer. Among the items was a costco-size bag of chocolate chips. I never thought I would get through the entire bag, but put them in my freezer anyway. It turns out, chocolate chips are pretty handy to have around. I put them in my pancakes, mixed them with some salty cashews for a late night snack, and gave them to my daughter for bribes. Never once did I put them in a cookie. Every time I went to the freezer to pull out a chocolate chip or two (or thirty), I was reminded of my friend, we'll give her the alias Mother Theresa.

Mother Theresa was a total Utah girl through-and-through. She even requested carpet, washer and dryer, dishwasher and two bedroom apartment in New York for under $1000-...oh Mother Theresa. I was proud of her because she learned about city life so quickly and adapted so well. It was always fun hanging out with her. I really miss her. Those chocolate chips kept her spirit alive for me, and every time I went to the freezer and even laid eyes on the bag of chocolate chips, I thought of her. A few days ago, I ran out of chocolate chips. I was so sad, that I went to Costco to buy another bag in Mother Theresa's honor. Now she will stay alive in my freezer for at least another year.

The point of the post is to promote costco-size bags of chocolate chips as the perfect gift for any occasion: wedding, birthday, going-away, having a baby. It will last a long time (I hope), and with every sweet bite the receiver will think of you, just as I think of my Mother Theresa.