With the holiday season fast approaching, many are looking for unique and interesting gifts to give their loved ones. To help ease the strain of finding the perfect gift, Heart of the Valley, SERVICES FOR SENIORS, Inc. has compiled a list of tried and true cookie recipes in its new cookbook, Cookies from the Heart.
Filled with unsolicited quotes from senior clients and fun statements found on the Internet or in books, Cookies from the Heart is a beautifully photographed showcase of 50 cookie recipes submitted from HOV clients and volunteers.
After gathering the recipes, volunteers took on the “tough” task of baking and taste-testing each one to ensure the final product was a delectable treat. “Our intention was first and foremost to make sure that the measurements, ingredients and instructions were accurate,” said HOV board member Helen Shaw, who added that the Chocolate Balls, Hawaiian Drop Cookies, and Cranberry-White Chocolate Chip Cookies are among her favorites.
“The oldest recipe in our book was submitted by Helen MacCarthy who worked at Heart of the Valley for 12 years from 1992-2001,” said Shaw. “Her recipe for Chewy Oatmeal Cookies originated from her mother-in-law’s mother. Helen is now 89 years old, so she thinks it’s probably from the turn of the century. There are other recipes in our book from the 1930s and 40s that came from client and volunteer grandparents…One of the most unusual recipes was more of a tea cake – Masala Chai Cake. It’s so yummy. And then there is my dog Jake’s favorite, The Best Dog Biscuit. We have a cookie for almost everyone.”
“The Cookies from the Heart cookbook was a labor of love and was accomplished through an all-volunteer effort,” continued Shaw. “Although we learned tons about what it takes to publish a cookbook we also learned how passionate people are about their treasured family cookie recipes. It makes this book even more special.”
Cookies from the Heart is dedicated to long-time HOV friend and advocate Anita Marencia who died in 2011. She was an avid cookie baker. The cookbook is available for a suggested donation of $20, and, at this time, can be ordered by sending a check to the Heart of the Valley office at P.O. Box 418, Santa Clara, CA 95052 or by calling 408-241-1571. Please provide your name, mailing address and number of copies. “While you are baking all the delicious cookies, you will know that you are supporting a great charity…Please consider supporting our friendly neighbor service by ordering one or more cookbooks so that we can continue helping seniors stay happy, healthy and safe at home.” said Shaw.
Heart of the Valley, SERVICES FOR SENIORS, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping seniors over the age of 65 live independently in their homes. The organization provides services ranging from light chores to transportation at no charge to its clients. Visit www.servicesforseniors.org or call 408-241-1571 for more information.