Sira-sira store: Angel cookies

THE week has been, to many people, a holy one considering that the Catholic Church was looking for the next Pope to wear the red shoes taken off by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

And Habemus Papam (We have a Pope) has become the key phrase of the week, with people saying it in rounds to hail Pope Francis. His choice of papal name (after St. Francis of Assisi) is unusual. The teachings of St. Francis of Assisi are followed by the Franciscan Order, and yet the new Pope is a Jesuit.

What’s in a name as long as it smells like a rose? His example of humility reflects the humility of Jesus Christ. The Savior took off his divinity to wear the rags of humanity.

Before I get into a theological soup or controversy, let me recount what I ate as the family and I watched the news about the search for a new church head.

The family mostly snacked on sweets. Maybe it was just a coincidence that my aunt, Tita Blitte, was baking a monster batch of strawberry angel cookies. She got the recipe from a friend and it’s pretty simple to make. I’m sharing it here.

Just have on hand one package angel food premium cake mix; 3/4 cup strawberry preserves; and 3 tbsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.

To do this thing, based on what I observed, follow these directions: Heat oven to 325 degrees. Coat baking sheet oil. Beat together cake mix and preserves (do not add water) at low speed of electric mixer one minute or until evenly moistened.

Continue to beat an additional one minute. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until tops are just lightly browned. Cool one minute on baking sheet. Place on cooling rack to cool completely. Cookies will be soft and chewy.

I don’t know why it’s called “angel” cookies but it certainly tastes heavenly. Perhaps this next recipe, this time shared by my niece Krystal, can be cut into angel shapes and given icing details for interest.

Have on hand: 1/2 c. butter; 1/2 c. shortening; 1/2 c. brown sugar; 1/2 c. sugar; 1 egg 2 1/4 c. flour; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 1 tsp. cream of tartar; and 1 tsp. vanilla. If you like, add crushed almonds.

Simply cream butter and shortening. Blend sugars, add egg. Mix flour and baking soda and cream of tartar, then add vanilla.

Drop dough by spoonfuls on cookie sheet. Press down but put fork in sugar before doing so. Or cut into angel shapes and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.

What makes angel cookies good is the fact that they are easy to make and simple to eat.

They reflect the simplicity of life that church leaders from all sects want to achieve and teach its flock, and what its followers want to follow to make a real impact in the community. (Wow, did I just say that? All that from eating angel cookies? Let me have more.)

(ober.khok@yahoo.com)