Live in Florida. I use a mercury thermometer in my oven all the time and never go by the exact time a recipe says I always deduct a few minutes to see how the first batch turns out . I have learned over many years to make one batch at a time, I always use parchment paper. Most of all I go by the smell . When I smell cookies they are done! Judy: I concur: my sniffer is my best friend when it comes to baking and knowing when things are done--I just hope it doesn't betray me as the years pile up! I always do a test cookie or two if I'm worried about my dough--burning one cookie is better than losing the whole first dozen! Kim@KAF

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