Peanut butter cookies with Chocolate Centers - For Thom Petty

I thought long and hard about what my big comeback post would be. I haven't had a recipe post out in months, and I figured I should come back with something decadent & mouthwatering. 

Instead, this post happened.

This week, a friend passed away and went to be with the Lord. This post is for you - Thom Petty!

I felt this would be the most appropriate thing to make for Thom. Those who know him know how much of a softie he is, despite his gruff exterior. This cookie is a crisp peanut butter cookie on the outside with a melting chocolate center.

Peanut Butter Cookies w/ Chocolate Center
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
12 small squares of dark/milk chocolate

Method
1. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and set aside.
2. Beat the butter until light & creamy.
3. Add the sugars and continue to beat.
4. Add the egg, vanilla and the peanut butter and beat until light and fluffy.
5. Add the flour mixture and mix well until thoroughly combined.
6. Wrap the dough in clingfilm & refrigerate for an hour.
7. Divide the dough into 12 equal sized portions.
8. Press one square of chocolate into each portion and form the dough into a smooth ball with the chocolate in the center of the ball.
9. Place the dough on a baking sheet at least 3 inches apart.
10. Bake at 200C/400F for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow to cool for a few minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.
12. Eat while slightly warm.

This recipe makes 12 large cookies. You could make 24 smaller ones, but the giant portions are intentional. Guests at Thom's restaurant will bear testament to the fact that his portions are huge. I remember when we were sampling his menu items before his restaurant opened many years ago. Most of us told Thom the portions were way too big. And his response was that he ate big portions, and so he wanted to make sure no one left his restaurant feeling anything less than full. Yes, he was generous too.

If you are wondering why there are Christmas decorations in the picture, it is not just because Christmas is around the corner. It is also because Thom LOVED Christmas. His restaurant is without doubt the most decorated restaurant in the city. Maybe even the country! We'll miss him most at Christmas time.

Thom Petty, we are going to miss you! Chennai is going to miss it's un-skinny chef. But I rejoice that you are safe & resting in the Lord's arms with no more pain. See you on the other side!