GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALES HAVE GONE WILD

Thousands of girls in Indiana, including many in Waynedale, began taking Girl Scout Cookie orders just a week ago as the annual event begins each year in January. The Girl Scout Cookie program, an American tradition for nearly 90 years, will continue through March 12. Consumers can get cookies immediately from Girl Scouts with Cookies-in-Hand during their door-to-door sale or at local businesses, along with order forms to be used for later delivery.

Consumers can choose from 8 varieties of Girl Scout Cookies. The cookie sale, with its familiar Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Carmel deLites, among others, cost $3.50 per box and payment is due on delivery.

This year, the Girl Scouts have gone wild with 2 new additions to the pack – Thanks-A-Lot and Cartwheels. The Thanks-A-Lot cookie says it all! It is a heart-warming shortbread cookie dipped in rich fudge and topped with an embossed Thank You message in one of five languages. The Cartwheel cookie you will just flip for! It is a tasty oatmeal cookie with a burst of cinnamon. And zero trans Fat per serving.

The purveying of pastries helps the Girl Scouts gain life skills, including money management, decision-making and goal setting. Going door-to-door allows the girls to gain experience in handling money, taking orders, tallying sales, and arranging for deliveries. “It’s a once-a-year thing that helps such a good cause,” said Linda Christman, Community Development Director serving 6 service units. “They learn manners and how to be polite when they’re at the door … it goes beyond just enjoying the cookies.”

All money earned from cookie activities stays within the local Girl Scout council to supply essential services for girls. A portion of the money raised is sent directly to the Girl Scout troop and the girls decide how to use those funds. The annual cookie drive, in addition to troop activities, also funds trips for camping and special programs. Proceeds are often sometimes used to provide financial assistance so Girl Scouting can be affordable for all girls. Girls also earn credits that can be used toward Girl Scout membership and summer camp fees.

 

GIRL SCOUT TRIVIA

Did you know that in the 1920s and 1930s, Girl Scouts in different parts of the country baked their own simple sugar cookies with their mothers.

These cookies were packaged in wax paper bags, sealed with a sticker, and sold door to door for 25 to 35 cents per dozen.

 

AN EARLY GIRL SCOUT COOKIE® RECIPE

 

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar plus additional amount for topping (optional)

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

Cream butter and the cup of sugar; add well-beaten eggs, then milk, vanilla, flour, salt, and baking powder. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Roll dough, cut into shapes, and sprinkle sugar on top, if desired. Bake in a quick oven (375°) for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Makes six- to seven-dozen cookies.