The Art of Making Cookies

Editor’s Note: Crystal Tadeo’s story was featured in the Spring/Summer 2003 Journal article “Pastries and Determination.” Crystal is a young blind woman who grew up in the county of Mendocino, California. She has always enjoyed cooking and baking for others. Her dream was to graduate from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, which she accomplished. Crystal added a new line to her resume as a graduate of the California Association of Bartenders in San Francisco. She tends bar part-time at "Happiness Is" outside of Ukiah. Crystal is a board member of the California Association of Blind Students (CABS). She often brings her gigantic chocolate chip cookies to these meetings to the delight of all of us. She has sent us her favorite cookie recipe.

SOUR CREAM SUGAR COOKIES

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening or butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg that is beaten

1 tsp of vanilla

1 cup sour cream

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp salt

6 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, cream shorting or butter and sugars together for 7-8 minutes until nice and aerated. Then add egg and mix until well incorporated. Then add sour cream and vanilla. Slowly add all dry ingredients until well incorporated. You can use a cookie cutter but I like to roll into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Preheat your oven to about 375 degrees and bake for about 12-14 minutes or until desired color. If you like, you can even sprinkle a little raw sugar on top for a little sweetness. ENJOY!