This Cookie Doesn’t Crumble

In February of 1997, nine seventh grade students from Gorton Jr. High School entered a national cookie recipe contest. The students learned of the contest from their Human Science and Services teach, Mrs. Donna Murgo. Mrs. Murgo challenged her students to submit their favorite cookie recipe to the Consumers Report / Zillions Magazine. The following volunteers accepted the challenge, Shauna Bassett, Jennifer Dale, Christina Fulton, Jessica McCrae, Tracy Miller, Katie Palumbo, Matt Pariseau, and Nicole Velino.

The students were excited about the chance to have their favorite recipes judged by professional culinary bakers, and by actual students in various test kitchens located across the United States. As a result of their efforts, a certificate of achievement was given to the class, a long with a copy of the Zillions Magazine for each student.

The following January, Mrs. Murgo was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from the Zillions magazine company. She learned that the cookie recipe submitted by Nicole Velino, had been chosen for first place. Now an eighth grader, Nicole was called by Mrs. Murgo and told of the good news. Nicole’s favorite recipe was awarded first place among thousands of entries.

Nicole’s recipe was featured in the March/April edition of the Zillions Magazine. Along with her picture, Nicole’s recipe and baking directions were given a full page in the magazine. One student judge said: "If you’re a peanut butter freak like me, you’ll love these!" Another judge said, "Instant gratification! No baking required. Just mix, cool in refrigerator, and eat!" Nicole also received a special Zillions T-shirt for her prize.

Nicole said this recipe was made by her mother for years and all her family and friends liked it. Now everyone in America can enjoy it.

Nicole Velino’s Peanut Butter Squares

Ingredients

1 c. margarine
2 1/3 c. powdered sugar
1 3/4 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 - l2oz. pkg. semi sweet chocolate morsels
1 c. chunky peanut butter

Directions

1. Melt margarine in large skillet over low heat. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and peanut butter. Mix well.
3. Spoon mixture into 13 x 9 in. pan. Spread smooth.
4. Melt chocolate morsels in top of double boiler (hot water in bottom) until smooth. Remove from heat. (Or use a microwave oven to melt the chocolate.)
5. Cool chocolate slightly, then pour over peanut butter mixture in pan.
6. Cool and partially cut into 2 inch squares. When completely cooled, cut all the way through.          Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Total time: 30 minutes. Yield: 2 dozen.