Skinny Cooks Can't Be Trusted by Dave Kessler 

 

Back in the day when “shanks ponies” (your feet) were the principal way to get around to local stores, Christmas shopping was a festive occasion when folks wore their best clothes on shopping trips.

But the shopkeepers kept their eyes out for those who arrived at their store riding in a fine horse-drawn carriage. All shopkeepers wanted to cater to the carriage trade because they spent more money and bought the best items in quantity on their shopping trips.

Now you can live like a carriage trade aristocrat during this Christmas season making and enjoying some of the finest carriage-trade cookies.

I suppose that back in the day carriage trade customers probably didn’t do any of their own cooking. But today, I think it’s considered the highest of positions to be able to use your own special skills to create something outstanding.

So, those of you who make and serve these wonderful cookies will not only be considered a trustworthy Skinny Cook, but also an aristocrat of the kitchen.

Christmas Cookies for the Carriage Trade

Layer One

1/3 cup cocoa

1/2 cup butter

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 cup flaked coconut

1 teaspoon vanilla

Layer Two

1/2 cup butter

3 tablespoons milk

2 cups confectioner’s sugar

3 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding

Layer Three

3 squares semi-sweet chocolate

1/3 cup butter

Use a mixing bowl in which to blend all the ingredients of Layer One together. Press this into a 7-by-11-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate.

In another bowl beat together all the ingredients for the second layer.

Spread this on top of the first layer, cover and return the baking dish to the fridge.

Use a small saucepan in which to melt the chocolate with the butter over low heat. You can also do this in your microwave.

Spread this on as the third layer, cover and return to the fridge.

When this layer is partially set, use a sharp knife to cut the cookies into nice bite-size squares. Cover and return to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Now remember, these are for special enjoyment. Don’t go and get all carriage trade-snooty on us, or your Trustworthy Skinny Cooks recognition and your aristocrat of the kitchen honors will be withdrawn.

Readers with questions or comments for Dave Kessler may write to him in care of this publication.