McCain vs. Obama: Battle Cookie
Each presidential election cycle, Family Circle magazine publishes a cookie recipe submitted by each candidate’s wife. Readers are asked to vote on the winning cookie. It seems to be a pretty good system, as their cookie contest has predicted the last four presidential elections. Of course, this is a historic year. This year neither recipe has any chocolate in it!
I decided to bake a batch of each and let some friends and coworkers vote. First up, Michelle Obama’s Shortbread Cookies.
The amaretto, lemon and orange zest make these cookies a little different from typical shortbread. The optional dried fruit (I used Craisins) didn’t add much flavor. It looks pretty though. The ingredients for this recipe were more costly than the other and made less cookies. (Feel free to make your own comparisons to the Obamas’ political views.) I also had to buy a lemon and orange for just one teaspoon each of the zest. Ditto on the amaretto — I bought a bottle to use just two tablespoons. I think I’ll save the rest for election night results. All in all, it’s a good, buttery cookie.
Next up, Cindy McCain’s Oatmeal-Butterscotch Cookies.
Ok, I hate oatmeal cookies, so you’ll have to wait until I get the verdict from everyone else tomorrow. Regarding the ingredients, it’s stuff that most people have in the pantry, except for the butterscotch chips. Obviously, these cookies are a little more old-fashioned than Obama’s cookies.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s verdict!
UPDATE June 23, 2008, 12:00 p.m.: So far Obama’s shortbread is in the lead!
UPDATE June 23, 2008, 1:30 p.m.: Now we’re tied 3-3!
UPDATE June 23, 2008, 3:48 p.m.: I couldn’t have planned it better. Intern Pete from Florida (!) just broke the tie. McCain’s Oatmeal-Butterscotch cookies are now in the lead. Exciting stuff.
Coming soon: Jerri Barr’s cookie recipe!
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:18 am
What does it say about me that I’m 22 and I consider butterscotch chips an everyday kitchen item?
Wait, don’t answer that.
I can tell you by looking at them that I like McCain’s more traditional recipe. Dried fruit and cookies don’t go well together.