These are not exactly low in calorie density – but they are low in saturated fat and trans fat (okay so now we feel like the cookie package making these claims!). And the recipe is easy enough for a kid to make, tasty for everyone and a low-cost treat for all – it is our favorite!

1/2 cup trans-free, light margarine

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

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1/4 cup egg white

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1-3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Cream the margarine, sugars and vanilla together until fluffy using hand beaters or the paddle on a mixing machine.

2. Add the egg whites slowly in 3 parts.

3. Add the flour, baking soda and chocolate chips; scrape the bowl, then mix for one minute.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scoop the cookies with a tablespoon onto nonstick trays. Bake for 12 minutes. Allow to cool then transfer the cookies to a plate. Cover and store up to 3 days at room temperature. Makes about 2 dozen and the cost is about .15 each – much cheaper than a dessert out and half the price of store bought one!

Tips for kids:

- Always wash hands before starting any kitchen projects.

- Assemble and measure all ingredients before starting recipe. Have an adult assist in using beaters or mixing machine and oven.

- Clean as you go – put ingredients away as they are no longer needed. Keep counters clean and rest spoons and spatulas on cups so you don’t have extra mess.

- Be careful to use a clean dry towel or mitt to remove hot cookie trays from oven. Wet towels cause burns!

- Unless you are using pasteurized egg whites, do not eat or lick the raw cookie batter.

Serves 24. Each cookie: 127 calories, 3 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 66 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrate, <1 g fiber, <1 g protein.

Kids kitchen chart:

2-3 – play with utensils and copy you in pretend play. You can hold them while you watch something cook or mix. Read food books like “Warthogs in the Kitchen” – this is bonding time with the subject of food.

4-5 – can measure one item, adapt preparations – like stir lettuce in the sink, stir flour in a bowl, add something to a bowl or mix. Make them feel helpful.

6-7 – can prepare a sandwich, set a table, make a platter, decorate a salad. Now is the time to explore with food – smell herbs, make fun fruit sundaes (see photo below), study food and why cooking makes things soft or cutting fruit makes it easier to eat. Don’t be afraid to play and make a mess.

8-9 – can start to mix and cook with good supervision

10-12 – can help with dinner – would not introduce something sharp or hot – a plastic knife for soft items or microwave is best and only with supervisoin

13-15 – can cook but someone should be home and cooking and cutting should be demonstrated and supervised until proficiency is assumed – each child is different

16-18 – should be planning meals, shopping and cooking for the family

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