While I was at JoAnn Fabrics looking for candy making supplies, I also picked up this really cool cookie pan, made by Wilton:

The idea of making “cookies on a stick” seemed like a good one to me, because it wasn’t something that Laurie or I had tried yet. The cookies for these have to be pretty big and thick to support the stick, so I also figured I could sell these for a little more than the cupcakes and candies I had made. My first batch of cookies were a disaster. I had read the instructions on the back of package which said that you could simply put the dough in the pan, insert the stick, and bake. Easy enough, right? WRONG! After I couldn’t get the cookies out of the pan, I realized I must have missed something. I looked at the instructions again, and referred to the recipes on the back of the package. Those recipes advised that you spray the pan with cooking spray first, and leave 1/8 of an inch from the top of each mold for the dough to expand. The next batch of cookies came out beautifully. I made 8 sugar cookies, which I later decorated with pink frosting ribbons, and 8 chocolate chip cookies. I was going to try to decorate the chocolate chip cookies as well, when I remembered something I used to LOVE at Mrs. Fields back in Illinois; chocolate dipped cookies! Mmmm! I melted up some of the pink chocolate that I had used for the candies, and I used it to make these fabulous treats-

I decided to sell these for $2.00 each. I got my first customer, Taylor, before I was even done baking the second batch. She had been eyeballing them through the glass on the oven door. Taylor asked if she could have one as dessert after dinner, and I had agreed. Shortly after she finished eating her meal, she asked, “Mommy, how much do the cookies cost?”. I told her, and she disappeared into her room. A few minutes later, she reappeared with her piggy bank. Tay counted out the $2 in dimes, and then said, “Mommy, I want to pay for my cookie, so I can help too”.

I was so proud of her for thinking of that all by herself! I feel so good about what the kids are learning from this experience. I think one of the most valuable things I can teach them are awareness of other people’s feelings and a willingness to work at changing their world. It’s also good for them to learn that we can do anything we put our minds to (like walking 60 miles) even if it seems impossible at first. All sentiment aside, I don’t know if Taylor is aware of the lessons she’s learning, but she was definitely aware of the cookie she got!

My new creations didn’t last the day at work, and several people even came looking for more! “Cookies on a Stick” were definitely a hit, so I am going to be baking up some more soon. I think I may even try “Rice Krispy Treats on a Stick” as well. I’m now up to nearly 600 dollars in earnings, only $1600 to go! I’ll keep you posted…
Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend everyone! - N