MESSAGE COOKIES

                            

These “message” cookies are so much fun to make.  Of course they are better known as fortune cookies but I’d rather fill them with Biblical truths or statements of blessings and thanks.  You can put any message you wish in your message cookies---I’ll provide some suggestions at the end of the recipe.  Try these out at your next dinner party or surprise your children with an encouraging message cookie in their lunch box.  These can be used to make birth announcements or even marriage proposals.  Have fun!!

Ingredients:

2 egg whites

½ cup sugar

½ cup flour

Pinch of salt

½ t. almond flavoring

½ t. vanilla

2-4 T. water  (this is for thinning the batter)

*Prepared messages on thin strips of paper (paper and ink should be non-toxic).

Instructions:

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

*Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and sugar until frothy, white and thickened (just under soft peak stage).

*Add in the flour, salt, almond, vanilla and 2 T. water

*Stir together and add more water if needed. You may also add water after your first two cookies are made if the batter seems too thick.

*Place a silicone mat or a sheet of parchment paper onto a baking sheet.

*Form one cookie by spooning  one tablespoon of the cookie batter into a small circle on the paper or silicone.   Form another cookie 3 inches away on the sheet.

*Using the back of a spoon, make a circular motion to enlarge each cookie to 4 inches in diameter.

*Bake the two cookies for 4 to 5 minutes or until the edges begin to brown a bit around the edges.  Keep a close watch to see that the brown edge is very slight and the rest of the cookie remains light.

*Remove from oven.  Using a sharp edged spatula or a knife, loosen the edges without tearing.    If the cookie is too thin to remove without tearing, make the next batch—3 inches in diameter.

*While the cookie circle is still very hot, remove it, lay your message strip of paper across the middle of the circle and then fold it in half (like a taco).  Pinch the center-most point closed slightly with your thumb and forefinger.

*Working quickly, bend the fold  (not the open side) of the “cookie taco” over the edge of a measuring cup or coffee cup.  One end of the fold should be touching the outside of the cup and the other end of the fold should be touching the inside of the cup.

*Remove the folded cookie and hold the two corners together slightly until they  almost stick together. 

*Lay the cookie aside to cool as soon as it begins to hold it’s shape without your help.

***Work the cooked cookie circle into it’s desired shaped quickly (even though it is very hot) because once it cools you will not be able to shape it.

MESSAGE SUGGESTIONS:

*This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it!

*I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

*For I know the plans I have for you, saith the Lord.

*Show me Your ways, teach me Your paths.  Guide me in Your truth and teach me.  For You are God, my Savior—and my hope is in You all day long.

*You are a blessing to me.

*Thank you for blessing us with your presence.

*I am proud of you!