Introduction: How to Make Fortune Cookies

When I go out to eat at a Chinese restaurant, one of the things I look forward to is the fortune cookie at the end of the meal. Often the fortunes hidden inside are meaningful, but sometimes they are downright funny when applied to a particular person. Here you will learn how to make your own genuine looking fortune cookies.

Step 1: Supplies and Ingredients

To Make the Fortunes:
-Computer with Microsoft Word (or equivalent software)
-Printer
-Paper
-Scissors
     OR
-Paper
-Non-toxic pen
-Scissors

To Make the Cookies:
-2 large egg whites
-1/2 cup flour
-1/2 cup sugar
-1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
-Non-stick cooking spray or butter
-Cookie sheet
-Whisk or fork
-Mixing bowl
-Spoon
-Spatula
-Clean thin cotton glove or paper towel (to protect you from getting burned)

Step 2: Fortune Ideas

I'll leave it up to you to decide your fortunes, here are a few ideas to get you started. Be creative and have fun .

<name>, don't go to sleep tonight.
You should buy <your name> dinner.
Good things will come your way if you walk through doorways backwards.
<name>, will you marry me?
Sorry <name>, but she doesn't like you.
I'm stuck in the cookie factory, send help!
He who rubs cook's back gets good meal.
Stop being a cheapskate and pay the tip.

Step 3: Create Your Fortunes

Using Microsoft Word

1) Open a new document.

2) Write your fortune, making sure it will fit on a  2  x 1/2 inch piece of paper.

Advanced option, use the column or table function to create columns that are 2 inches wide .

3) Add a black square to the top right of each fortune for an authentic touch.

4) Print your fortunes.

5) Cut out into 2 x 1/2 inch slips using scissors, leaving a portion of the black square on the corner.


The Old Fashioned Way

1) Cut paper into 2 x 1/2 inch strips

2) Using a non-toxic pen, write down your fortunes

Step 4: Baking Preparation

1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F

2) Grease your cookie sheet with non-stick spray or butter

Step 5: Separate Eggs

If this is the first time you are separating eggs, practice while making scrambled eggs (so it doesn't matter if you mess up).

1) Gently crack the egg down the middle and pull it apart over your bowl while keeping the egg yolk in one half.

2) Pour the yolk back and forth between the eggshell halves, letting the egg whites fall into the bowl.

3) Save the egg yolks if you will use them in another recipe, if not you can throw them away.

Step 6: Mix the Ingredients

1) Whisk the eggs until they are slightly foamy.

If you do not have a whisk, a fork can be used, but it will take longer.

2) Add flour, sugar, and almond or vanilla extract.

3) Mix thoroughly until smooth.

The batter may seem too thick at first (like a dough), but keep mixing. If it doesn't become thinner, add another egg white.

Step 7: Place on Cookie Sheet

The cookies will have to be folded quickly after being removed from the oven, so it is a good idea to try only one cookie the first time and then only 4 or so at a time once you are better at it.

1) Put approximately 1 Tbs of batter onto the cookie sheet.

2) Using the back of the spoon, spread the batter into a circle approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake at 400 degrees F for approximately 7-8 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn brown.

Step 9: Place the Fortune on the Cookie

The cookie MUST be folded before it begins to cool. The following steps should be done as quickly as possible.

CAUTION - COOKIES WILL BE HOT. WEAR GLOVES or you will get  BURNED if you are too slow.

1) Using the spatula, remove the cookie from the cookie sheet

2) Place the fortune in the center of the cookie

3) Fold two edges of the cookie into the center.

4) Fold over the edge of a cup, with the back down, to give the cookie its distinct shape

5) Place in a muffin tin or other container so the cookie will retain its shape while cooling

6) Allow to cool completely. (15-30 minutes)

If it is humid, the cookies may still be too soft even after cooling. If so, leave in a warm, dry place overnight.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Enjoy your personal fortune cookies with friends and family.

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