For the cookies:
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, plus extra to grease the baking sheet
For the fortunes:
Paper or vellum for 16 fortunes
Non-toxic ink

Chinese New Year Cookies

1. For writing the fortunes, cut paper or vellum into 5 x 1/2-inch strips. Write or type desired messages onto the paper.
2. For making the cookies, preheat oven to 350� F. Grease the center of a baking sheet well.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together sugar and butter until fluffy; add vanilla.
4. In a small bowl, using a wire whisk, whisk egg whites until light and frothy. Add egg whites to sugar and butter mixture; whisk until smooth. Beat in flour. Let batter sit for 10 minutes.
5. Spoon about 1 tbsp. batter onto the baking sheet. Using a thin spatula, spread the batter into a 5-inch diameter round, making sure to keep edges neat.
6. Bake until golden around edges, for about 8 minutes. With a spatula, gently lift the cookie from the baking sheet. (It will be hot.) Working quickly, fold the cookie in half.
7. Bend pointed edges of cookie toward each other; hang on the rim of a bowl to cool. Thread fortune into cookie; repeat with remaining batter.
   Makes 16 cookies
   Preparation time: 45 minutes