Bake Sale Bonanza

Mini Morsel Shortbread Squares
White Chip Orange Cookies

It's true - the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets.

Bake sales are a fun and effective way to raise funds for a local charity or school program. If you're planning one, here are some tips to keep in mind:

* Variety is important. Allow bakers to volunteer for specific baked goods they'd like to make.

* Make sure you have a wide variety of prices so that customers can spend what they want to spend.

* Jar kits make excellent bake sale items. The customer can either give them as gifts or use them as a convenient way to make homemade treats.

* Add a thank you note to each package that includes what the purchase benefits as well as your organization's contact information.

I've found that these Mini Morsel Shortbread Squares and White Chip Orange Cookies are very popular sellers - and they're a snap to make.

For more Bake Sale Favorite recipes and tips on having and promoting a bake sale, visit VeryBestBaking.com.

Mini Morsel Shortbread Squares

(Makes 4 dozen squares)

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1  large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/4  cups all-purpose flour

2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels,divided

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

BEAT butter and sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in flour. Stir in 1 cup mini morsels. Press onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

BAKE for 30 to 33 minutes or just until top is light brown. Immediately sprinkle with remaining morsels. Let stand for 5 minutes or until morsels are shiny; spread evenly. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares.

Nutrition Information per serving: 100 calories; 50 calories from fat; 6g total fat; 3.5g saturated fat; 15mg cholesterol; 30mg sodium; 12g carbohydrate; 0g fiber; 7g sugars; 1g protein\\

White Chip Orange Cookies

(Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies)

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2  cup packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

2 to 3 teaspoons grated orange peel

2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Premier White Morsels

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in egg and orange peel. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutrition Information per serving: 130 calories; 60 calories from fat; 7g total fat; 5g saturated fat; 15mg cholesterol; 90mg sodium; 15g carbohydrates; 0g fiber; 10g sugars; 1g protein

Jenny Harper is the Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.