“Cookie Sticks" To Celebrate The Girl Scouts 103rd Anniversary!

Don’t forget to wear green this weekend, it is a celebration! Yes, you guessed it, The Girl Scouts of America, are wearing green as it is their 103rd anniversary! Oh wait, did you think I was talking about some other celebration wearing green. I can’t forget to mention that St. Patrick’s Day I will celebrate on next Tuesday the 17th. So make sure you come back for a “wee” little recipe or two. But in this post, I would love to write about the Girl Scouts and share my experiences with you.  

Juliette G. Low

The Girl Scouts of America started on March 12, 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low of Savannah, Ga.  Her first meeting had 18 young girls in attendance. Juliette Low, who was called Daisy, encouraged girls to prepare for roles as professionals and for becoming active citizens in their communities. There were no exceptions, and called for all girls no matter what color, creed, economic status, or disability for over 100 years. The first African American troop was established in 1917. Today, the Girl Scouts organization says it is dedicated to developing girls in the 3 C’s - Courage, Confidence, and Character.

Juliette Low in the early years supported the organization with her own funds. In 1915 it is said, that she sold her exquisite pearls in order have some money to run the organization for another year. She agreed with the board of the organization to establish a membership fee and institute a fundraising plan. Her friend Mrs. Macy donated $1000 to recognize the power of the Girl Scouts as well as Juliette’s work. This is how the Girl Scout cookie fund raiser sales began, to help support the organization for the girls. 100% of the cookie proceeds stay with the girls and their local charities. Every cookie has a mission which is, “To Help Girls Do Great Things." 

I was 10 years old (1964)

In honor of the Girl Scouts, (3 yrs ago) the US Postal Service unveiled a stamp. In 2012, the Girl Scouts of America had a membership of more than 3.2 million girls and adults, spanning 90 countries. Nearly 60 million living women in the United States today are Girl Scout alumnae, and I am one of them. Many years ago, I was a Girl Scout in troop #41, in Queens, New York. I started out as a Brownie, a Junior, and then became a Cadet Girl Scout. Now they have Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and finally Ambassadors. I still have my sash which includes all the badges I earned and many pins of excellence. I remember when I was a Girl Scout our troop went camping in upstate NY. It was in May and I was going to get my Emergency Preparedness Badge. My friends and I were very excited to go on our trip. We planned on hiking, campfires, and having fun. 

My sash with all of the badges and medals

That year the weather did not cooperate, as a snow storm occurred in the month of May out of no where. I don’t mean just snow, I mean a blizzard! Now remember, we were dressed with shorts, light jackets, and camping gear. We all were freezing and had no means to leave the campsite, till the storm finished. So we had to endure with what we had. The pipes to the well water had frozen and there was no water to be had, so I suggested that we get every pot we could find and fill it with snow, which then we put it on the fire and it melted to which we used to cook with and keep ourselves warm. Needless to say, I earned my Emergency Preparedness Badge that year with no problems. But it will be a year that I never will forget. 

I bet you didn’t know that these women were Girl Scouts before they became famous: Vanessa Williams, Jan Davis (NASA Astronaut), Barbara Walters, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Lucy Ball, Shirley Temple Black, and Bette Davis, just to mention a few.

My recipe this week is called “Cookie Sticks.” These are easy, heavenly, and delicious. But don’t’ forget to buy Girls Scout cookies and support your local Girl Scout Troop in your community. Enjoy!!!!

                                                    “Cookie Sticks” 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of canola oil
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 - 1/2 cups of all purpose unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the oil, sugars, egg, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to sugar mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half. On a greased baking sheet, shape each portion into a 15-in. X 3-in. rectangle about 3 in apart. Sprinkle chocolate chips over dough; press lightly. Bake at 375°F for 7-8 minutes. (Bake for 9-10 minutes for crispier cookies) All depending on your oven. Cool for 5 minutes. Use a pizza cutter to cut each section into 4 large pieces to make them easy to transfer to cooling racks. Use a serrated knife to cut the cooled sections into 1 -inch strips. Enjoy!


Till Next Time……….

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