Cookies in China

I never knew how much I loved cookies until I came to China. Ok, well, I take that back. I've always known that I love cookies, but I love them just as much in China. A more accurate way of putting this might be: cookies take on a new meaning in China � something rare and fascinating, exotic, even. Each ingredient is carefully sought after. Improvisations are made as you realize you don't have the proper mixing spoon or bowl. There is a sense of suspense and slight worry as you wonder whether cookies can really bake in the land of steamed bums and dumplings. It's really quite an exciting experience, and even more exciting when the cookies come out.

Well, I got to share this experience with 2 of my good Chinese friends � Jenny, 江皓 (Jiang Hao) and 赵水燕 (Zhao Shui Yan). I was over at Shui Yan's home for the day, and Jenny came over. Shui Yan had just received a toaster oven from a friend. Well, she didn't know how to use it, but was quite excited when I told her that I often baked in America. So, we went to the super market and looked for ingredients. Originally, we were going to make some scrumptious quick bread, but Chinese supermarkets don't carry baking powder apparently. So, I improvised and switched from quick break to chocolate chip cookies.

Once we had bought the ingredients, we headed back home to begin the process. I had to keep a close eye on the mixing process, because when the Chinese make food, they don't measure ingredients. They just throw in some vegetables, some meat, salt, soy sauce then sprinkle on some MSG. It turns out tasty enough, but with baking, the Chinese way of cooking is just asking for disaster. Fortunately, I have superb baking skills, and even with an unplanned banana thrown into the cookie dough, I managed to pull out some tasty treats.

I believe I added too much salt, and the banana threw off the cookie dough consistency so that I had to add practically another cup of flour…then somehow, most of the butter baked out of the dough in the toaster oven and started sizzling and popping on the little pan. Ah, yes, superb baking skills. However, Jenny and Shui Yan thought it was wonderful. And we happily ate out chocolate chip, banana cookies with our chopsticks. Now Shui Yan knows how to use her toaster oven.