From: kochmar@sei.cmu.edu (John Kochmar)
Newsgroups: alt.romance
Subject: Re: advice
Date: 10 Apr 92 19:02:06 GMT
Organization: The Software Engineering Institute


In article <1992Apr10.163219.11157@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>, sowers@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (John) writes:
|> Hi netfolks. 
|> 
|> I met this wonderful person about two months ago on the system.  We have
|> the same values and goals in life (which is pretty neat to finally find
|> someone like that).  I have went out with this person twice now (its
|> difficult since we are in different states) and we both had a great time.  
|> The problem is that each of us is a little on the quiet side and I really
|> can't tell how she feels about me.
|> 
|> My question to you is this.  We both have finals coming up.  What would
|> be a good gift to send right before finals start for her that says that
|> says 'good luck' and that I am 'interested' but does not explicitely 
|> come right out and say it.  
|> 
|> Please email me your advice.  Thanx.
|> 
|> -John-

Chocolate chip cookies.  Definitely choclate chip cookies.  Home made too,
with macadamia nuts (or pecans if you are on a budget ;^), and a mix of
chocolates (2/3 bittersweet to 1/3 milk works really well.) Include a note
that says something like "for curbing the munchies while studying for
finals ...  Good Luck!"  Just remember to pack them well (include large
sheets of tissue paper between the layers of cookies to keep them being
reduced to crumbs in shipping, and don't pack (air tight) until cool.)

If you are worried about scaring her off, stay away from flowers, they
carry a lot of emotional baggage with some people.  But cookies always say
warm, comfortable things.  Unless, of course, she is on a diet, or
neurotic about her weight.  Such people should be avoided at all costs ;^)

chocolate john

P.S.    In cases where you are still new to the relationship, try to
	avoid expensive gifts.  Some people just aren't comfy with
	this, and it sours them to the relationship.  Baked goods (like
	cookies :^) are viewed as cheap, and because you make them
	yourself, are more endearing without being as threatening.
	Surprising, too, because when you use $7.50 / pound chocolate,
	macadamia nuts, etc., the price runs up pretty fast for a
	batch, more than most small stuffed animals.  Go figure.

P.P.S.	I included *my current favorite* chocolate chip cookie recipe
	as well.  It comes from some amount of experimenting, and is
	pretty good (I get lots of good reviews when I bake them.)  It is
	derived from several recipies, so it would be hard to credit the
	source, though it started with the nestles tollhouse recipe.  Your
	milage may vary.

	Chocolate Chip Cookies
	----------------------
	1 C. unsalted butter
	2 eggs
	1 C. sugar
	1/2 C. brown sugar
	2 T. creame de cocoa
	2 tsp. vanilla
	2 & 3/4 C. unsifted flour
	1 tsp. baking soda
	1 tsp. salt
	1 C. chopped nuts
	12 oz. chocolate chips (chocolate chuncks can be used as well.)

	Beat shortening, eggs, sugar, creame de cocoa, and vanilla until
	light and fluffy.  Add dry ingredients.  Blend well.  Bake for 8
	or 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

	Notes:
		I used unsalted butter instead of shortening, as I prefer
		butter in my cookies.  I also use vanilla flavored sugar
		(I put a few vanilla beans in my sugar pot, so the sugar
		takes on a vanilla flavor.)  I suppose everyone knows that
		you have to pack the brown sugar and use eggs that are at
		room temperature, right?  (I didn't know this when I started
		baking -- it really does make a difference.)

		I like to leave my cookie dough in the fridge overnight.
		I think it makes for a smoother, better tasting cookie.
		Some friends who bake tell me I am nuts.

		I liked the white chocolate & macadamia nut cookies the
		best.

		If anyone tries the recipe with shortening, please let me
		know how it turns out.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Kochmar		 | Estimated amount of glucose used by an adult human
kochmar@sei.cmu.edu	 | brain each day, expressed in M&Ms: 250
SEI Computing Facilities |			-Harper's Index, October 1989
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