Make Fortune Cookies
[35 Minutes]
In the 13th and 14th centuries China was invaded by the Mongols. The Chinese, led by Chu Yuan Chang distributed fortune cookies made of lotus nut paste. The cookies contained secret messages about the invaders' plans. Knowing that the Mongols disliked lotus nut paste, their secrets were safe. Chu Yuan Chang’s uprising was a success paving the way for the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. Make your own fortune cookies that may bring you luck as you enjoy them after a grand Chinese dinner.
You'll need:
• 3 cup flour • 1 - 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil • dash of salt • 1/4 tsp. vanilla • 1 egg white, beat until stiff • 4 Tbsp. water • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar • 8 paper strips with fortunes written on them • mixing bowls (small and medium) • electric mixer • This recipe makes 8 cookies.
What to do:
- If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
- With your child, gather everything you'll need.
- Invite him to combine flour, sugar, salt, and cornstarch in a medium mixing bowl.
- Let your child crack the egg against the side of a small bowl. Show him how to separate the egg white from the yolk.
- Pour the egg white into a small mixing bowl. Beat it with an electric mixer until it is stiff.
- Mix oil and egg white and ask him to add to flour mixture.
- Add water and vanilla. Mix well.
- Show him how to pour one heaping tablespoon of batter on a non-stick frying pan. Spread into a 3-inch circle.
- Cook the batter over medium heat for 4 minutes or until brown. Turn and cook for 2 minutes on the other side.
- Help your child remove the cookie from the pan. Place a fortune strip on the circle.
- Use potholder to fold circle in half, pressing firmly.
- Bend the folded side over a rim of a cup. Cool in an empty egg carton.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and bake for 10 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool in a clean egg carton before serving.
- Share the fortune cookies with family and friends.
- You and your child may also wish to share your fortunes.
Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.
- What is inside a fortune cookie?
- What do some of the fortunes say?
- Do you have a favorite fortune? Which one?
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