Who said the little things can’t make a difference?
Journalism student Caitlin Rodgers enjoys a newspaper tradition. Photo by Henna Danek
It’s that time of the week again: Wednesday!
Halfway through, yet often not going nearly fast enough; let’s face it, some classes on block days just don’t seem to ever end. However, in CCT Magnet teacher, Matt Spampinato’s room during seventh hour newspaper class, this is far from the truth.
The title Cookie Wednesday does not even begin to give the occasion sufficient magnitude. Every Wednesday while the online newspaper staff is hard at work to produce the Thomas Jefferson Journal, joy is spread through the means of what one might naively perceive as a simple cookie.
Each week, a different student signs up for undertaking the feat of bringing in the best cookies possible for the class to share. From the traditional chocolate chip, to elaborate m&m with white chocolate and oatmeal nut chew, the class appreciates a plethora of the best combinations and delectable treats imaginable.
“Getting cookies on Wednesday is awesome, because it makes class fun and gives us something to look forward to,” commented senior reporter, Geneva Gaines.
She’s not the only one who thinks so, either. “Cookie Wednesday is a day to relax a little, yet enjoy our work while eating delicious cookies,” volunteered reporter Angela Ramirez. “We all anticipate it,” she continued.
Although the challenging class is not all fun and games, the often fast-paced, yet thrilling atmosphere of the news business is lifted by the lighthearted (yet still diligent) weekly emergence of the cookies.
So how did it all start, anyway? One does not just come up with such an extraordinary idea on a whim. The event began about two years ago when Spampinato bought Girl Scout cookies from Administrator, Scott Lessard’s daughter.
“I would consistently buy a large number of boxes and break them out in class on Wednesdays,” Spampinato stated. Eventually, like many other great things in life, he said that they did finally run out. Upon the tragic cessation, numerous students on the newspaper staff said, “Dude, where are the cookies?” Spampinato explained with a chuckle. “Thus began the magnificent cookie Wednesday,” he enthusiastically concluded.
Managing Editor, Henna Danek expanded on the topic by claiming that the cookies serve as not merely just a fun treat, but as a motivator for class work as well. “Who wouldn’t take incredible cookies as an enjoyable incentive for getting things done the fun way?” she smiled.
“I feel like there’s nothing that can motivate a student like the cookie,” instructor Spampinato agreed with a grin. “It has flour, sugar, butter, milk, and chocolate, (if it’s a good cookie). What else could a student need?” he joked.
Although the class voted on the best cookie thus far in the school year, the top pumpkin cookie baking method was not able to be disclosed due to the proud discretion of the originator. Nevertheless, who can beat the classic chocolate chip?
Thick, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe from Sunset
Ingredients
• 1 cup (1/2 lb.) butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (12 oz.)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Preparation
1. In a bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and brown sugar until well blended. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
2. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir or beat into butter mixture until well incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans, if using.
3. Drop dough in 2-tablespoon (1/8-cup) portions, 2 inches apart, onto buttered 12- by 15-inch baking sheets.
4. Bake in a 400° oven until cookies are lightly browned and no longer wet in the center (break one open to check), 6 to 8 minutes; if baking more than one pan at a time, switch pan positions halfway through baking.
5.With a wide spatula, transfer cookies to racks to cool. If hot cookies start to break, slide a thin spatula under them to release; let stand on pan to firm up, 2 to 5 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely
