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Superstition Bash

Misfortune Cookies

Misfortune Cookies are great fun and have become very popular among skeptics. Many cookie manufacturers and local Chinese restaurants are able to create fortune cookies for you but you also have the option of making them yourself. A pre-superstition bash meeting to gather volunteers together and make misfortune cookies might make for a very enjoyable event in itself.

You may choose to distribute the cookies to Superstition Bash participants throughout the event, and also make them available for sale in bulk quantities. Bags of misfortune cookies could also be included as one of many prizes in other bash activities. Of course, misfortune cookies can be used in a variety of other skeptical events, as well as for general fundraising purposes. You could even create fact cookies and other interesting kinds by using the same concept behind the fortune cookie.

Here's a recipe for Misfortune Cookies:

This recipe makes approximately 18 cookies. You will need to multiply ingredients depending on the number of cookies you want to make. For your misfortune messages, use 3 x 1/2 inch (8 x 1 cm) pieces of paper.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp (50mL) softened butter
  • 3 tbsp (50mL) granulated sugar
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 tsp (2mL) vanilla
  • 1/3 cup (75mL) all-purpose flour

In small bowl, mix together butter, sugar, egg white and vanilla; stir in flour until well blended. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls (5mL) at a time onto greased baking sheet; spread into 3-inch (8cm) circle using back of spoon. Bake, one sheet at a time, in 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) oven for 3 to 4 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Place baking sheet on rack. Loosen cookies with spatula and turn over; place folded misfortune in center. Quickly and gently fold cookie in half; press edges together for several seconds. Grasp ends of cookie, place center over rim of glass and gently press ends down to bend cookie in middle. Place each cookie in muffin cup to retain shape until cooled. Repeat with remaining cookies. (If cookies become to brittle to fold, return to oven briefly to soften.)

Here are suggestions for misfortunes to include in your cookies. Feel free to send in your own clever one-liners and we will include them in the list: