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If you sift the flour and cocoa together for a recipe, you get rid of the lumps and combine the dry ingredients at the same time.

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The term “Dutch process” on a cocoa package means it has been treated with an alkaline solution.  This cocoa has a darker color and more mellow taste, but can be used interchangeably with regular powdered cocoa unless the recipe directs otherwise.

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To soften butter quickly, cut into small chunks and microwave.  Usually medium for 30 seconds works well.

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Cookie batter can spread too much if it gets warm.  For thick cookies that hold their shape, refrigerate balls of cookie dough on cookie sheets for an hour or two before baking.

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Stock up on butter when it is on sale.  Butter can be frozen up to six months as long as it sealed tightly.