Never Underestimate the Power of a Cookie

I think cookies are awesome.  I love that you can get a quick sweet fix in a small package.  I love all kinds -- chewy, crispy, no-bake, chocolate, cinnamon, peanut butter, store bought, homemade -- you name it, I probably like it.  Of course, Make a Difference Mondays are not all about what I like, but about how we can serve others.  Thankfully, my favorite dessert is also a great way to serve.

Kids love cookies too.  Sometimes we forget about our smallest friends when we are carrying food to folks.  If Mom or Dad has surgery, or there is a death in the family, think about the kids and pack a batch of homemade cookies to go with your casserole.  Cookies are also a great way to tell a child from church "Way to Go!" for their school and church accomplishments. 

Cookies are also a fabulous way to show hospitality.  If you have unexpected guests, having some dough ready to slice and bake will show your company they are welcome.  (Bonus! It makes your house smell fantastic!)  Even if you know company is coming, you can minimize your stress by keeping some cookie dough in the fridge or freezer to prepare when you are ready. 

Cookies also make good gifts, especially for those people in your life that you appreciate but are not family.  Teachers, preachers, the person you are studying the Bible with, and your child's friends' parents are all people who might appreciate you taking the time to make a homemade gift of cookies. 

As always, keep dietary restrictions in mind when baking as a service.  It would not be kind to give flour based cookies to someone who is gluten sensitive!  With that in mind, today we are sharing a gluten free cookie recipe as well as links to diabetic cookie recipes and recipes for slice and bake dough.

As always, we love to hear from you.  Drop us a comment on your favorite cookie recipe, or tell us about a time you were blessed to give or receive cookies as a form of service.

Peanut butter cookies -- Not only are these gluten-free, but they are also great "emergency cookies." With only three ingredients, they can be ready when you need cookies in a hurry.

(makes 12-18 depending on the size)

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup sugar
1 egg

Combine all three ingredients and either scoop cookies onto pan or roll them in balls and roll them in more sugar.  Bake at 350 until done. (Baking time will depend on how big you make the cookies. Start with five minutes and check them.  Cookies will still be soft when you take them out; they'll crisp as they cool.)

Diabetic Cookie Recipes  - Most of these call for almond flour, so if you don't keep that on hand, you'll have to plan ahead for your diabetic friends.

Slice and bake cookies  -  Most of these freeze well too!

Helene