Peanut Macaroons

With many kids returning to school this week, many of you parents are probably thinking, "What's the plan for after school snacks?" Well, no need to worry. I give you:

The Snack Jar Plan! This booklet was published in 1946 by the National Peanut Council, Inc., and yes, that is a small faction of peanuts pulling a young child through the woods on a cart full of peanut cookies. Snack time--and after-school childcare--solved. You're welcome.

As you'd expect from the National Peanut Council, this booklet is full of propaganda to get people to eat more peanuts.

Each page contains a peanut-based recipe, photo, or factoid. For example, did you know:

The rapidly growing child may need more food than he can get at three meals. It is best to make regular provision for a small extra meal such as an after-school lunch. --U.S. Children's Bureau

That's a fact, people. Professor Peanut affirms your kid needs second lunch.

So why not make some peanut macaroons?

Let's gather the ingredients:
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, well beaten
1 cup finely chopped salted or roasted peanuts (I used my food processor here) 
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups of ready-to-serve flake cereal (You mean corn flakes? Okay, got it.)

1) Cream shortening. Add sugar gradually.
2) Beat in egg, and add peanuts, almond extract, and cereal. Mix thoroughly.
3) Press mixture into rounded bowl of tablespoon. Drop on greased baking sheet 2 inches apart.

I learned the importance of really packing the mixture into the spoon, because these cookies have a tendency to crumble apart before they're baked. I used an ice cream scoop for this step, and a friend decided to drop by to help. That's Sheila! She's our part-Corgi, part-Australian Cattle Dog. I'm surprised she hasn't made an appearance on this blog before now because I'm super obsessed with her.

4) Bake in moderate oven of 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until well browned. Makes about 3 dozen.

Because I used an ice cream scoop and not a tablespoon as suggested, this recipe yielded only 2 1/2 dozen macaroons for me. And they are delicious! The chopped peanuts and corn flakes give the macaroons a great crunch, and the flavor is just right--much lighter than a regular peanut butter cookie.

By the way, are you wondering what is the difference between a macaron and a macaroon? Read this.

So there you have it! A pretty delicious after-school/after-work/after-breakfast/after-midnight snack for you, courtesy of your friends at the National Peanut Council. Bon appetit!