Causing a Stir: 8th Graders Mix It Up!

What do you get when you combine flour, butter, eggs and a room full of teenagers? Apparently not mass mayhem as one might expect, but cookies! A classroom of 8th graders from Indian Hills Middle School in Sandy, Utah submitted this recipe and photo from what I consider to be the best St. Patrick's Day curriculum ever! The class is called "Beginning Foods" and these cookies were the result of their first cooking experience at school. Their teacher, Connie Mayer, used the lesson as an opportunity to teach the budding cooks about having fun in the kitchen, as well as the efficiency and economics of making things from scratch. Their prep, cooking, clean-up all had to be done in about 1/2 hour. Impressive! So, I hope you all take a moment to send the kids some encouragement and kudos in the comments section (follow the link below) - we all know the world needs more kids that don't think cookies come from a package!

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

In large mixing bowl, cream together:

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups powered sugar
• 2 drops food coloring

Mix thoroughly together and set aside.

In large mixing bowl, combine and blend well:

• 1/2 package devil’s food cake mix
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1 egg

Drop by teaspoons on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes in a preheated 375-degree oven. Let cool on rack, then frost on flat side. Press second cookie on top of frosting to make sandwich. For St Patrick’s Day, use green food coloring in the frosting and decorate top with a shamrock.