WHAT WE'RE COOK'N UP? DASHBOARD CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

I've always wanted a solar oven to make meals in the morning and they'd be ready by late afternoon or evening by only using the energy from the sun. If Ryan ever allows me to build an earthship, you know I'll have a solar oven, among other Earth-saving contraptions.

 If you know Ryan, then you know he thinks I'm crazy because of these dreams of mine. But still, maybe someday.

For now...

The concept of a solar oven is simple, which is why a vehicle dashboard is similar. If you're into conserving energy or know anything about solar ovens, then you'll know making cookies in a car dashboard isn't a new idea, but this is my first time to try it.

Anyone can make cookies in their dashboard. The only requirement is that the outside temp should be at least 95 degrees so that the temperature inside the car can rise to at least 200 degrees. 

If you never understood how people especially kids and animals can die in a car when it's hot outside, this should explain it.

DASHBOARD CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

makes approx 2 dozen cookies

Whisk together:

1 1/2 C flour

1/2 t baking powder

1/2 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

In another bowl, cream together:

1/2 C softened butter

1/4 C brown sugar

1/2 C sugar

Beat in:

1 large egg

Incorporate the flour mixture 1/2 C at a time.

Add:

2/3 C chocolate chips

Place on a sheet of wax paper and work it into a log roll.

Place in freezer for at least 2-3 hours or until the temperature outside reaches at least 95 degrees.

Make sure the temperature outside is at least 95 degrees. And that all your vehicle windows are rolled up.

Cut the log into slices and place 2" apart on wax paper lined or non-stick sprayed baking sheets. 

If your dashboard isn't carpeted like my old Jeep, place oven mitts on the dashboard before putting the baking sheets onto it. Depending on the slope of your dashboard, you can even use the oven mitts to prop the baking sheets up, if needed.

At 1 hour...You know the neighbors think I'm crazy too when they drive or walk by and see this.

At hour 3... The sun moved and there was a shadow, so I quickly got in the hot car and moved it to where it would be facing the sun.

If you can at all help it, do not open the doors or windows of your vehicle for at least 3 1/2 - 5 hours as to create an oven. Check on them by looking through the windshield.

At 3 1/2 hours check to see if they're done, then every 30 minutes after.

These were ready in 4 1/2 hours.

Don't expect them to flatten out like they would in a conventional oven. They'll flatten slightly but for the most part, how you place them from the freezer to the pan is what you'll get in the end.

These were crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle when hot. They hardened when I took them to church.

Maybe all I needed to break my "Cookie Curse" was to use this dashboard method.
If you don't know, I've been cursed with unable to make any type of traditional cookies like chocolate chip, sugar, snickerdoodle, etc. since I was a kid. My mom who is a phenomenal cook, would make and bake her cookies right along side me and hers would turn out perfect, and mine always failed. One time I decided to try again with a 4 year old, Joslyn, when we lived in Spring. Same thing; hers were great, mine was made into a hard sheet.

Well whatever, at least I can make them in my car now.