Recipe: The DoubleTree Cookie by Hilton
There is nothing more soothing to the soul than a warm cookie, a glass of milk and a good book. Discover the ultimate comfort cookie recipe.
If you've ever stayed the night at a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, you won't be a stranger to the perfectly warm, ooey gooey, chocolate chip and walnut cookie that welcomes you as you begin your stay.
This cookie is without a doubt, easily the best thing about staying at a DoubleTree and it's the reason that everyone from colleagues in my workplace to friends and family who have stayed there, have told me, 'if you stay at the DoubleTree, ALWAYS ask if you can get an extra cookie.'
The outstanding staff will usually oblige ;)
In fact, the cookies are so popular, that if you're in the US, you can buy them directly from www.doubletreecookies.com - either as ready made cookies, or dough to bake at home. Unfortunately for those of us outside the US, the company doesn't ship internationally, so if you do want to get your hands on this delight, here's a recipe for the ultimate DoubleTree cookie.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
1/2 cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 large eggs
3 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons sea salt flakes, optional
Directions
To start, pulse oats in a food processor until it resembles flour.
In small mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, cream together butter and both sugars, 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract, lemon juice and eggs.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. Add chocolate chips and walnuts; stir to combine.
Using cookie scoop, portion cookie dough onto lined baking sheet. Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 2 to 4 hours.
To bake: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until slightly golden.
Hotel Guide: Phuket
Visit Akyra Beach Club for a relaxing seaside holiday to calm the spirit and lift the soul.
For those of you who might be looking to escape away for the summer holiday, this little gem in Phuket should be at the very top of your list.
The Akyra Beach Club is a sophisticated retreat on a secluded stretch of Thailand’s sunset coast offering luxury villas and suites with garden or beach views, a resident DJ and guest performers for after-dark entertainment, and bespoke activities, from scuba diving to yoga workshops.
This is one for laid back afternoon chill out sessions, cool vibes, sunset cocktails by the pool and a DJ playing down tempo beats in the background. Think cocktails served at poolside cabana, whilst the sun goes down and the music picks up. Dine overlooking the stunning Natai Beach, where the only footprints in the sand may well be your own.
Borrow one of the hotel bikes to explore the coast or plan a scuba diving trip complete with leopard sharks and ancient shipwrecks. Island hop to the legendary Phang Nga Bay or Ko Phi Phi for the ultimate beach experience. Akyra Beach Club will lift your spirit and calm your soul, ticking all the right beachside boxes for a memorable getaway.
Hotel Guide: Kenya
If you're looking for your next travel destination, look no further. Welcome to Malindi, Kenya. Enjoy your stay <3
With all the recent chatter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle potentially honeymooning in Africa (when they finally get to go), I thought I'd share this little gem of a hotel perfect for couples looking for a relaxing break in Kenya.
Called the 'Diamonds Dream of Africa Hotel,' you can find it on the seafront near the centre of Malindi. A gorgeous villa retreat, it oozes Indo-Arab influence with spacious rooms and suites, a dreamy free-form swimming pool, a Thalassotherapy spa and excellent Italian cuisine are all tucked away in manicured gardens, close to the sands of Malindi Beach.
All the suites are large and cool with Italian-designed furniture made of Indonesian teak and with muslin curtains over the beds. All have private terraces overlooking the resort’s pretty gardens with comfortable sun loungers.
You can spend your days exploring the exotic coral gardens of the nearby marine park, scuba diving or venturing out in a glass-bottomed boat.