We are introduced, at an early age, to the sweet wondernous of a cookie. From teething cookies to soothe the swollen aching gums of incoming incisors, onto animal crackers purchased in rectangular-shaped boxes bearing a string handle for easy toting by little fingers. Deciding which part of the animal should be eaten first-the trunk of the elephant or the tail of a lion-depended on how hungry one was. Savor each and every one or simply gobble them down as fast as possible.

My next cookie memory would be the ever famous, possibly all-time favorite, the chocolate chip cookie. There is nothing better than to bite into a round circle of baked dough sprinkled with gooey melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. A chocolate chip cookie can dry tears, heal broken hearts, mend scraped knees and elbows and solve sibling arguments. Most of the problems in the world could likely be solved by a properly baked, right out of the oven, chocolate chip cookie. The power of a cookie is underestimated.

I will attempt in the next 365 days to prepare and comment on a year’s worth of different cookies-one for each day. My goal is to share with others my extreme love of cookies-baking them and especially eating them! Feel free to send me your favorite recipe, your earliest cookie memories, or how cookies may have influenced your life. Cookies Rule!


Thursday, December 2, 2010

Cookie Recipe #334 - Coconut Rum Gems


This rum ball is different from the typical rum ball. Crushed corn flakes and the citrus peel give them a unique taste. If you don't want to use alcohol, try 1 teaspoon of either vanilla or almond extract.

Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup crushed corn flakes (measure after crushing), 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts), 1/2 cup flaked coconut 1/4 cup chopped orange and lemon peel, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon rum (I used Malibu coconut rum), 1/2 - 3/4 cup shredded coconut.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together flour, corn flakes, sugar, nuts, coconut, and peel. In a small bowl, beat eggs with rum; blend into dry ingredients.

Drop small spoonfuls of batter into shredded coconut. Shape into 1 inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes, or unti firm. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

Makes 3 dozen cookies.

"The Ultimate Cookie Book", Tormont Publications, Inc., Montreal, Canada, 1997.

Cookies Rule!!!

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