Extra Credit - Spinach Cookies

The spinach cookies represent the essence of The Color Purple, a bildungsroman detailing Celie's exploration of her own identity. Celie starts off as the victim of oppression from her own father and later her husband. She is told repeated times that she is ugly. That she is worthless. That she can do nothing because she is a woman. Even her own father, "never had a kine word to say to [her]" (5). Like her, these cookies are marginalized. They look just like normal chocolate chip cookies, so much so, that people underestimate their actual nutritional value. At first, Celie advises Harpo to beat his wife Sophia to put her in her place, but then Celie begins to realize that "Some womens can’t be beat," (18). These cookies mirror that enlightenment Celie has had about her own identity. As you bite into the cookie, evidence of spinach begins to reveal itself.

The cookies have a funky taste at first, and it turns you off. This is much like Celie's lack of confidence, her second guessing every decision in her life. The chocolaty, familiar taste that follows is Celie's life with Shug illuminating the pathway, filled with love. Celie realizes, "Hard not to love Shug, I say. She know how to love somebody back" (106). Similarly, once you get past the funky taste, the cookies truly do provide a warm, comforting sensation, almost like an embrace. And in the end, the cookies do reveal their true identity; they are in fact spinach cookies, whether you love them or hate them. They are so much more than a delicious snack. They are packed with nutrients and substance, that you will enjoy, but ONLY if you give them a chance.

Recipe

• 2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 1 cup of sugar (I use turbinado – unprocessed cane sugar)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups frozen leafy greens such as spinach, collards, kale, etc. (do not thaw)
• 1 cup chocolate chips