Fortune Cookies I

Fortune Cookies I Recipe from China - Egg Whites, Sugar, Flour, and More

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 40 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Fortune cookies are a popular treat often enjoyed at the end of a meal in Chinese restaurants. These crispy, sweet cookies are known for containing a small slip of paper with a fortune or inspirational message inside. Making your own fortune cookies at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to customize the fortunes and flavors to your liking.

History

Fortune cookies are believed to have originated in California in the early 20th century, despite their association with Chinese cuisine. The exact origins of the recipe are unclear, but they have become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and are now enjoyed worldwide.

Ingredients

3 egg whites
0.5 cup of sugar
0.13 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of vanilla
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 tsp of instant tea
2 tbsp of water
0.5 cup of melted margarine
fortunes written on slips of paper

How to prepare

Mix egg whites, sugar, and salt thoroughly with a spoon.
Mix in the remaining ingredients, except fortunes.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a baking sheet.
Have clean white cotton gloves ready to use when folding and shaping the hot cookies.
If gloves are not available, use two pieces of paper toweling folded to several thicknesses to protect fingers from the hot cookies.
Also, have some clean muffin tins ready to hold the baked cookies while they cool.
Shape and bake 2 cookies at a time.
For each cookie, drop 1 tsp of batter onto a baking sheet.
Spread the batter with the back of a spoon to make a 3-inch circle.
Bake at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the edges turn light brown.
Work very quickly.
Remove one cookie with a wide spatula to the countertop.
Place a fortune paper across the center of the cookie.
Using gloves or paper toweling, fold the edge of the cookie over to make a semicircle.
Hold the cookie on the ends and place the middle of the folded edge over the top of the muffin pan; bend the ends down.
Place the folded cookie carefully in a muffin cup to cool.
Repeat the process.
== Nutritional information.
Serving of 2 cookies: 80 calories, 0.5 starch/bread, 1 fat exchange, 2 g protein, 6 g fat, 6 g carbohydrate, 84 mg sodium, 0 cholesterol.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture.
Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
Experiment with different flavors such as almond extract or citrus zest for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Work quickly when shaping the cookies, as they harden and become difficult to fold as they cool.

- Use clean white cotton gloves or folded paper toweling to protect your fingers from the hot cookies.

- Be sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth baking process.

Serving Suggestions

Fortune cookies are traditionally served as a dessert or snack after a meal. They can also be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to spread the batter thinly and evenly on the baking sheet to ensure the cookies bake evenly.

- Work quickly when shaping the hot cookies to prevent them from hardening before folding.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute almond or coconut flour for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Fortune cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat them in a low oven to crisp them up before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fortune cookies in a decorative bowl or plate for a fun and festive presentation. You can also tie a ribbon around each cookie for a special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Fortune cookies pair well with green tea, jasmine tea, or a light dessert wine. They also make a fun addition to a Chinese-inspired dessert platter.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store fortune cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a low oven for a few minutes to crisp them up before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of 2 fortune cookies contains 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of 2 fortune cookies contains 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of 2 fortune cookies contains 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of 2 fortune cookies contains 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fortune cookies do not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Fortune cookies contain eggs, wheat, and soy.

Summary

Fortune cookies are a low-calorie treat that is relatively low in protein and high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a sweet indulgence.

Summary

Homemade fortune cookies are a fun and delicious treat that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger dessert spread, these crispy cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face with their hidden fortunes.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Fortune Cookies. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend's grandmother, Mrs. Lee, who was known in our small town for her exquisite Chinese cuisine. Mrs. Lee had invited me over for lunch, and as we sat at her kitchen table, she brought out a plate of delicate, golden-brown fortune cookies.

I had never seen or tasted anything like them before. The cookies were crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside. And the best part was the little slip of paper tucked inside each one, with a unique fortune or message written in beautiful calligraphy.

I was immediately intrigued and asked Mrs. Lee how she made them. She smiled and said that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. She then offered to teach me how to make them, and I eagerly accepted.

As we stood side by side in her cozy kitchen, Mrs. Lee began to show me the intricate steps involved in making the fortune cookies. She explained that the key to achieving the perfect texture was in the precise measurements of the ingredients and the careful folding technique.

I watched intently as she poured the batter onto a baking sheet, spreading it out into thin circles with the back of a spoon. She then placed the sheet in the oven and waited patiently for the cookies to bake to a golden perfection.

Once they were done, Mrs. Lee swiftly removed the cookies from the oven and placed a slip of paper in the center of each one. She then demonstrated how to fold the cookies in half and shape them into the traditional fortune cookie shape before they cooled.

I followed her lead, trying my best to mimic her graceful movements. It took a few tries, but eventually, I got the hang of it. Mrs. Lee praised my efforts, saying that I had a natural talent for baking.

After we finished making the fortune cookies, Mrs. Lee poured us each a cup of green tea and we sat down to enjoy our creations. As we nibbled on the sweet, crunchy cookies, she shared stories of her family and their traditions.

I felt a deep sense of gratitude for Mrs. Lee's generosity in sharing her recipe with me. It was a gift that I would always treasure and cherish.

From that day on, I made fortune cookies regularly, using Mrs. Lee's recipe as a guide. I enjoyed experimenting with different flavors and decorations, but I always made sure to include a special fortune in each one.

Whenever I shared my fortune cookies with friends and family, they were always met with smiles and laughter. It brought me great joy to know that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down to me with love and care.

And so, every time I make fortune cookies, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Mrs. Lee's kitchen, and the magic of learning something new and wonderful from a dear friend.