Executive Chef Chris O'Donnell of Dolce Pane E Vino Restaurant shares his yummy cookie recipe. Special thanks to the taste testers - Estelle Smith, 9 1/2 & Dominic Smith, 6.

Dolce Chewy Holiday Spice Cookie

         1 1/2 cups shortening

         2 cups white sugar

         1/2 cup molasses

         2 eggs at room temperature

         4 cups all-purpose flour

         4 teaspoons baking soda

         2 teaspoons freshly ground cinnamon

         1 teaspoon freshly ground clove

         1 teaspoon freshly ground ginger

   1 teaspoon salt

• Melt the shortening in the microwave or heavy bottom pan and cool to room temperature.
• Add the sugar, eggs, and molasses, beat well.
• Sift all dry ingredients together into a separate bowl.
• Add the sugar, egg and molasses mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
• Let the dough chill for a minimum of three hours or overnight.
• Shape into balls about one teaspoon in size and place on a sheet pan that is greased or has a silicone baking sheet.
• Heat convection oven to 350 degrees and bake for about 3-5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with crystallized sugar.

• After cooling, enjoy with friends and family. Be sure to store these delicious cookies in an air tight container.

video and images by: Chris Morrow

Follow Chris on Twitter: www.twitter.com/morrowchris