Yeah, I know, it’s not very autumnal. But you try coming up with foods that begin with the letter X and then combine them to create an edible creation.
There was xanthareel, a yellow eel used in medicinal foods, and xanthan gum, which is produced from the fermentation of corn sugar (it’s commonly used as a thickener in foods such as yogurt, sour cream and salad dressings), but neither struck me as the basis for family-friendly recipes. So, I got a bit creative and went for another interpretation: X-shaped treats.
The following recipe for playful chocolate cookies molded in the shape of Xs and Os can be served up at a Halloween party (kids can use them to play tic-tac-toe) or as a lunchbox treat (xoxo—hugs and kisses from mom).
X and O Shaped Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients:
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
In a large bowl mix butter, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer set on medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs; mix well. Add in corn syrup.
Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, mixing until well blended. Cover; refrigerate until dough is firm enough to handle.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Shape dough into X and O shapes. For X shape: roll a teaspoon of dough into a 3-inch log. Place 1 log on cookie sheet; press lightly in center. Place another 3-inch log on top of first one, forming X shape. To shape Os: Roll out teaspoon of dough into a 5-inch log. Connect ends, pressing lightly, forming O shape.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 5 minutes. Remove cookies and place on wire rack. Cool completely.
Decorate with icing if desired.
Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
Michele Cheplic writes about red-hot celebrities in POP CULTURE, fiery topics in PARENTS, sizzling recipes in FOOD, calorie burning exercises in FITNESS, and hot new kid-friendly crafts in FUN. Check out all of her articles here.
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