Update from the Field: Chocolate Cherry Skillet Cookies

While no further reports have surfaced about the deadly helicopter crash in Coweta County Georgia, a different group of local Survivors are expressing their concern about the welfare of a small outfit of National Guard soldiers in Newnan. 

The soldiers had been led by a Lieutenant Wells and had been part of a larger outfit at a fenced refugee camp. Forced to abandoned their post after the fencing failed, the soldiers had left in a convoy that got stuck in a traffic jam on the highway, approximately sixty miles from the camp.

Though their original orders had been to only take in refugees in the camp, the National Guardsmen had bartered supplies with local Survivors on two occasions, in addition to offering useful information. Recently, Newnan Survivors made their way back to the outpost once more, with the intention of trading supplies and were stunned to see the outpost completely deserted.

More disturbing than the missing convoy was the discovery of seven large patches of bloodied earth. Survivors in Newnan were understandably devastated by this revelation.

We will continue to bring you reports as we receive more updates.

At this time; we would like to also urge all Survivor Groups to use caution when approaching any military convoys or encampments. Which outposts are still acting under the authority of the U.S. Government cannot be determined at this stage.

Although times continue to be desperate; we also know that all Survivor Groups are holding fast. No matter how difficult the days ahead may be and no matter how great the challenge; we can all continue to make life as sweet as we can. While life is like a box of chocolates (you never know what you're going to get) it  can still be a bowl of cherries. 

In that spirit, the WDSCB presents Chocolate Cherry Skillet Cookies in honor of Monique. The coolest Survivor we know.

Chocolate Cherry Skillet Cookies

8 Tbsp. butter flavored shortening
1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 (8 oz) package dates, pitted and chopped
Powdered egg product equal to 1 egg (follow package directions)
4 cups crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
1 (7 oz) bag shredded coconut (divided)

In a large cast iron skillet or medium Dutch oven, melt butter flavored shortening over medium heat or medium campfire coals. 

Gently stir in brown sugar, chocolate chips and dates. Remove from heat and then stir in egg (powdered egg mixed with water according to package directions). Then return to heat, cooking and stirring constantly until mixture bubbles and comes to a boil. Allow to bubble gently for 1 minute.

Remove from heat once more and stir in crisped rice cereal, cherries and half of the bag of coconut. Check the consistency. You may need to add additional cereal if the cookie mixture is too moist. Or another tablespoon of shortening if the cookie mixture is too crumbly.

Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, or until mixture can be handled comfortably. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls and then roll each ball in the remaining coconut. Allow to cool completely and then serve. These skillet cookies are best eaten within a day or two as they tend to become more firm as they sit.