I don’t think Liz Garton Scanlon would mind at all, since she considers her cookies to be “THE cookie cutter cookie.”

Who am I to argue with the author of one of the sweetest reads around: A Sock is a Pocket for Your Toes — a poem featuring unconventional pockets? This book is a Junior Library Guild selection, A Children’s Crown Gallery finalist, a Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club alternate, and is recognized in Books Children Sit Still For. Sounds pretty tasty, no?

A SOCK IS A POCKET FOR YOUR TOES: A POCKET BOOK
by Elizabeth Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
(HarperCollins, 2004) 

But judging from the looks of Liz’s recipe, these cookies won’t stay in your pocket for very long. No matter. Make a bunch more with your kids, and read Liz’s book while the cookies are baking.  By the way, Liz has two more delectable books in the oven, both illustrated by the fabulous Marla Frazee, which will be ready for us to devour in 2009 and 2010!

Great Gift Idea:  Pair this book with a set of cookie cutters representing things from the poem (hat, bear, sock, duck, ice cream cone, etc.). Include Liz’s great cookie cutter recipe, of course. Sounds very kid-friendly to me!

LIZ SCANLON’S COOKIE CUTTER COOKIES

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 T milk

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; stir in vanilla. Sift flour, salt and baking powder together, beat into creamed mixture alternately with milk. Form dough into flattened ball and wrap with foil; chill. Divide dough in fourths and roll on well-floured board to 1/8 inch thick; cut with cookie cutters. Place on greased baking sheet, decorate with sprinkles now if you wish, and bake in a preheated 350 oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned on outer edges. Remove to cake rack to cool. Frost as desired.

Note: After eating these cookies, you may feel an overwhelming desire to write a poem. Do not panic. This response is perfectly normal, what some call “sweet inspiration.” Just remember: your heart is a pocket for a poem.

When you’ve finished writing your masterpiece, head on over to the Cookie Party to see who else has dropped by. Post your favorite recipe and leave your link in the comments, or email your recipe to: readermail (at) jamakimrattigan (dot com).