Retellings, Connections, and Cookies: KidLit Confections Gluten-Free Berger Cookies

What was your favorite book/story when you were a child? 

I bet you immediately thought of at least one. Because books are magical. Especially for children, who are just learning to navigate this great big world!

Books and stories are powerful because they help us to relate to the world in so many ways. When we relate to the characters on the page, we feel seen and validated. For those who might feel "othered" in the real world, finding themselves in the pages of a favorite book can make their world a little less lonely. And connecting with a character in a book can help us understand things about ourselves that we may not have realized. (It wasn't until I read WE CAN'T KEEP MEETING LIKE THIS by Rachel Lynn Solomon and fully seeing myself in the main character, as she explained the way my brain worked better than I ever have, that I realized I might have OCD. My primary care doctor agreed with my suspicions, and now I'm in the process of finding a psychologist so that I can get proper medication and treatment for something I used to be sure I didn't have!) 

And when we don't personally identify with the characters on the page, something even more magical happens: We're able to expand our worlds and connect with people, cultures, and traditions we might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore. The more we read diverse books, the better equipped we are to relate to those around us. Our worlds become larger and the people in it are brought closer. 

Books are magical. Our favorite stories never grow old. And the best thing about KidLit is that stories can be retold in so many ways! There's always a new "What if?" twist to explore, and there will never be a shortage of wonder in the world as long as there are children who imagine new possibilities. Some of my favorite fractured fairy tales and retellings include:

HELP WANTED, MUST LOVE BOOKS by Janet Sumner Johnson and Courtney Dawson

Shailey loves bedtime, especially reading with her dad. But her dad starts a new job, and it gets in the way of their bedtime routine. So Shailey takes action! She fires her dad, posts a Help Wanted sign, and starts interviews immediately. She is thrilled when her favorite characters from fairytales line up to apply. But Sleeping Beauty can't stay awake, the Gingerbread Man steals her book, and Snow White brings along her whole team. Shailey is running out of options. Is bedtime ruined forever?

IT'S NOT HANSEL AND GRETEL by Josh Funk and Edwardian Taylor

Hansel and Gretel will not listen to their storyteller. For one thing, who leaves a trail of bread crumbs lying around, when there are people starving? Not Hansel, that's for sure! And that sweet old lady who lives in a house made of cookies and candy? There's no way she's an evil witch! As for Gretel, well, she's about to set the record straight--after all, who says the story can't be called Gretel and Hansel? It's time for these wacky siblings to take their fairy tale into their own hands. So sit back and enjoy the gingerbread!

With laugh-out-loud dialogue and bold, playful art (including hidden search-and-find fairy-tale creatures), this Hansel and Gretel retelling will have kids giggling right up to the delicious ending!

SLEEPING UGLY by Jane Yolen and Diane Stanley

A clever twist on Sleeping Beauty for emergent readers.

Princess Miserella is very beautiful outside, but inside she's the meanest, wickedest princess around. Plain Jane, on the other hand, has a face to match her name but a sweet and loving nature that earns her three wishes from a fairy. Miserella's horrible manners make the fairy so angry that her magic throws them all into a deep sleep.

Will the handsome prince kiss the right girl?

And of course, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROGS, by Veronica Bartles and Sara Palacios

Once upon a time there was a princess named Cassandra who had everything she could ever wish for...except a pet frog to be her best friend.

So when the Royal Pet Handler finds her the perfect little green frog with bumpy brown spots, Cassandra couldn't be happier. Until she gives her friend a good-night kiss and--WHOOSH!--he turns into a prince!

But princes aren't pets. Cassandra wants a frog!

Soon her castle is overflowing with princes, and if Cassandra doesn't find a way to fix the situation, her overcrowded castle might burst at the seams--and she may never have a frog of her own.

There are far too many to mention, but I have more recommendations on my Fairy Tale Retellings list on bookshop.org -- and I'm always adding to the list!

If you've read this blog or connected with me on social media, it will come as no surprise that I think of cookies in much the same way as these lovely fractured fairy tales. There's always a new, magical twist on an old favorite recipe that we can explore. 

Last week, in the Tuesday night #KidLitChat on Bluesky, I shared the recipe for my take on the Baltimore favorite: Berger Cookies. I created and posted my version of the recipe a few years ago, before I was exclusively creating gluten-free cookie recipes. When someone in the #KidLitChat mentioned that they would need to look for a gluten-free version of the recipe, I realized I'd never updated this one. So here it is! The "Fractured Fairy Tale" version of Berger Cookies: now gluten-free for those who need it.

Gluten-Free “Berger” Cookies

1 ½ c. butter

1 c. sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. tapioca starch

1 ½ Tbsp. vanilla extract

5 c. gluten-free all-purpose flour

Fudge Topping:
3 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter*
1 c. dry milk
1 c. + 2 Tbsp. water
1/4 c. cocoa powder (optional)
2 (12 oz.) pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips
5 c. mini marshmallows
2 tsp. vanilla extract

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, baking powder, salt, tapioca starch, and vanilla. Mix until combined, then turn speed up to high and beat until light and fluffy (at least 3-5 minutes). Then stir in flour, one cup at a time, just until combined.

Scoop into 1-inch balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart, and press with the bottom of a cup or glass jar lightly to flatten each cookie to approximately ½ inch thick. Chill* for 20 minutes to 1 hour.

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fudge Topping: Put marshmallows and chocolate chips into a large metal or glass mixing bowl. (NOT plastic—it will melt!) Make sure your mixer is plugged in, with the wire whisk attachment ready to go. Measure the vanilla extract into a small bowl, so it will be ready when needed.

In a large pan, stir together sugar, butter, powdered milk, cocoa powder and water over medium heat until it reaches a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Continue to stir constantly, while allowing the mixture to boil for EXACTLY 5 minutes.

Remove from heat immediately. Pour over chocolate and marshmallows in mixing bowl. Immediately begin mixing with your electric mixer, until both chocolate chips and marshmallows have completely melted, and chocolate is smooth. Add vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Working quickly, while fudge is still warm, drop generous spoonfuls over the top of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then store in an airtight container, with waxed paper between layers.

*Optional: Freeze 2-4 hours or overnight. Once frozen, transfer cookie dough to a large freezer bag and return to your freezer. You can bake straight from frozen at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes. Continue with fudge topping after baking.

This recipe pairs well with any fractured fairy tale or retelling.

A Glitch in the System: KidLit Confections Broken Chip Desserts - part 1 & 2!

I don't usually read dystopian novels these days. (For reasons that are pretty obvious to anyone who knows me and reasons I don't feel like getting into for anyone else--feel free to read back over past blog posts if you need context.) But I recently read the Tracker Series by Jamie Krakover anyway. And I loved it! This gave me similar vibes to watching the movie The Net with my dad, back when I was in high school and most folks didn't yet have home internet connections. 

My kids laugh at that movie these days because all of the "cutting edge" (for the '90s) technology is so far in the past that it's hard for them to imagine a world where it was uncommon. But for those of us going through the advances as they were happening, it was far too easy to imagine a world where online connections might bring us the kind of convenience--and maybe even the dangers--Sandra Bullock experienced in the movie. Back in the '90s, when the internet was still barely accessed by the public, the movie was as much fantasy as thriller. (I mean, come on... could someone really use that new internet technology stuff to steal someone's identity?? How realistic could that be?) But my dad was a computer genius. He knew a lot more about the capabilities of our tech than most folks. He knew how powerful--even dangerous--it could be. So watching the movie with him added an extra element of "Yikes!" to my viewing experience. 

Reading the Tracker series put me right back into that feeling. I really identified with Kaya (whose dad was much like mine!) And because my dad was also the one who taught me to fearlessly experiment with flavors in my cooking (I still think about the chocolate-covered Triscuits we used to make at Christmastime...too bad there's not a gluten-free substitute for a cracker where the only real ingredient is whole wheat!!), I knew I had to come up with a unique KidLit Confections recipe for it! And so I bring you my Broken Chip series of desserts: part 1 and part 2 (because a book with a great sequel deserves a dessert with a great sequel, right?) I was originally planning to post the first recipe last week and the sequel today (to celebrate the release of AUTHORITY, the second book in the series), but life doesn't always go according to plan. So instead you get two for the price of one!

Tracker220

When everyone has a brain-interfacing tracking chip, one glitch threatens the entire network. Kaya Weiss is that glitch.

Through thoughts and blinks, Kaya can access anyone or anything on the tracker network. But the authorities monitor everything—where Kaya goes, who she talks to, and what she searches. And without the ability to turn it off, Kaya and her family can’t observe a tech-free Shabbat. To fix the glitch, the authorities slice into her skull to reset her tracker, leaving Kaya to question more than the system’s invasion into her faith.

Kaya won’t be a lab rat again.

Evading the authorities requires some serious tech skills the rogue underground Ghosts can offer. But Kaya’s not sure she can trust them—even if their top tech wiz, Bailen, has interest in her running deeper than her bum tracker. Kaya must decide if gaining freedom is worth losing her tracker’s infinite knowledge—because to take down the tracker network, she must betray the only tech she’s ever known. 

And because this book centers around a glitching--or broken--tracker chip, I had to create a chip-centric cookie! This recipe features dark chocolate chips (because semi-sweet isn't quite intense enough to capture the right vibe here) and a coating of crushed potato chips for a surprising, salty crunch.

Broken Chip Cookies

2 c. butter

2 c. brown sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. tapioca starch

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

4 ½ c. gluten-free all-purpose flour

10 oz. dark chocolate chips

5-6 oz. potato chips, crushed

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, baking soda, salt, tapioca starch, and vanilla. Mix until combined, then turn speed up to high and beat until light and fluffy (at least 3-5 minutes).

Mix in flour, one cup at a time, just until combined. Stir in dark chocolate chips.

Scoop into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into potato chip crumbs, then place on parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart, and press lightly to flatten each cookie slightly.

Bake* at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes. Let cool about 5 minutes on tray before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 6 dozen cookies – but be sure to set aside approximately 2 ½ dozen to use in the sequel recipe: Broken Chip Cheesecakes!

*Optional: Bake a few cookies & freeze the extra cookie dough. Roll dough balls and flatten slightly. Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet (no space necessary) and freeze for 2-4 hours or overnight. Once frozen, transfer cookie dough to a large freezer bag and return to your freezer. You can bake straight from frozen at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes. Freshly-baked cookies anytime you want!

This recipe pairs well with the YA novel TRACKER220 by Jamie Krakover or its sequel AUTHORITY.

I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of the second book in the series (AUTHORITY) and I loved it maybe even more than I did the first book! 

Authority

Her glitch destroyed their system… or so she thought.

It’s been six months since Kaya, Bailen, and the Ghosts leveraged her glitch to destroy the tracker network. With it came the eradication of the authorities and an end to Rufus Scurry’s secret plans to mind control the world. While Kaya appreciates her recovered sense of privacy and newfound connection to Judaism, millions believe life is worse without trackers.

As the Ghosts deploy old technology to fill the void, people around Kaya begin acting strangely—doing things they don’t have control over. Some, like her ex-boyfriend Harlow, are losing time altogether.

When Kaya receives a threat from an unknown user on her deactivated tracker, she seeks to uncover who is behind it and how they are using the old network. But more people are falling victim to the mind control every day, sending Kaya scrambling to end the loophole before she loses everyone she loves to the technology she’s learned to live without. 

I've been waiting for months to talk about it with everyone, and now that time is finally here!! Because today (20 August 2024) is the release day!! I wanted to have this blog post ready to publish first thing this morning, but since I didn't get the first part posted last week, I spent all day trying to figure out how to tie the two posts together. 

And then I realized I was just overcomplicating things, as I often do. Simply, I loved this book. I was excited to play with the recipe I had created for TRACKER220 and develop it into a more advanced, slightly elevated recipe that still played with the same flavors as the first, with a little more depth and nuance. This one uses the finished Broken Chip Cookies as a crust for a chocolate chip cheesecake that features semi-sweet mini chips--because as they work through the issues and discover ways to work together to fight back against a corrupt system, things are maybe not quite so dark in this second book of the series.

Broken Chip Cheesecakes

1 lb. (2 8-oz. pkgs) cream cheese

3 eggs

¼ c. Greek yogurt

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. lime juice

½ Tbsp. vanilla extract

¼ c. sugar

½ c. powdered sugar

½ c. semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

30 Broken Chip Cookies

1 oz. potato chips, crushed

Set aside 2 Tbsp. from the chocolate chips to use later.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until soft. Add eggs, yogurt, lemon and lime juices, vanilla, and sugars. Mix until combined, then turn speed up to high and beat until smooth, creamy, and slightly fluffy (at least 5 minutes).

Fold in mini chocolate chips (NOT the 2 Tbsp. you reserved earlier!)

Place 1 cookie each into the bottoms of cupcake liners or silicone cookie molds. (If using silicone molds or cupcake liners, make sure to place them on a cookie sheet first—these are difficult to move once filled!) Divide cheesecake batter evenly.

Makes 30 mini cheesecakes.

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-45 minutes. Let cool about 15 minutes before moving to the fridge to cool completely.

*These cheesecakes freeze nicely for future use. Once fully chilled, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for dessert emergencies or special treats when you need them. They last several months in the freezer (in theory—we always eat them up long before that happens!)

This recipe pairs well with the YA novel TRACKER220 by Jamie Krakover or its sequel AUTHORITY.