Cookie Cook-Off: Bush vs. Heinz
June 25, 2004 -- As the presidential race heats up, first lady Laura Bush and John Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, are competing for the title of best baker in Family Circle magazine's fourth quadrennial Cookie Cook-Off!
Laura Bush's Oatmeal-Chocolate Chunk Cookies are up against Teresa Heinz Kerry's Pumpkin Spice Cookies in the contest. Susan Ungaro, editor in chief of Family Circle magazine says she's pleased they've decided to participate in the fun competition.
"We're delighted that Laura Bush and Teresa Heinz Kerry are putting their cookie recipes into the running for our fourth election competition," said Ungaro said."Put your partisan preferences aside and vote with your taste buds. May the best cookie win!"
Try both recipes and decide which one you like best.
Laura Bush's Oatmeal-Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Makes: about 8 dozen cookies.Bake: at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes.
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, at room temperature• 1 cup sugar• 1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar• 3 eggs• 1 tablespoon vanilla• 3 cups flour• 1 tablespoon baking powder• 1 teaspoon salt• 2 teaspoons cinnamon• 3 cups quick oats (not old-fashioned)• 2 cups chopped walnuts• 1 1/2 packages (8 ounces each) chocolate chunks (3 cups)• 2 cups coarsely chopped dried sour cherries
1. Heat over to 350°. 2. With electric mixer, cream butter and both sugars. 3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then beat in vanilla. 4. Add flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and oats; slowly beat until blended. 5. Stir in walnuts, chocolate and cherries. 6. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. 7. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Teresa Heinz Kerry's Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Makes: 5 dozen cookies.Bake: at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature1 cup sugar1 egg1 cup canned pumpkin puree (from 15-ounce can; do not use pumpkin pie filling)1 teaspoon vanilla2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 teaspoon allspice1 cup chopped walnuts1 cup raisins
1. Heat oven to 375°. 2. With electric mixer, cream butter and sugar.3. Beat in egg, pumpkin and vanilla.4. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and allspice.5. Stir into pumpkin mixture.6. Stir in chopped walnuts and raisins.7. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a well-greased cookie sheet.8. Bake at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden on edges.
Bakers are encouraged to cast their ballots with a postcard postmarked by Aug. 1, 2004 to: Family Circle Cookie Cook-Off, Dept. MJ, 375 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10017. You can also vote online at www.familycircle.com Results will be announced on Oct. 19 in the Nov. 9 issue.
The recipes above were posted courtesy of Family Circle magazine © copyright 2004.