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Cookies for a cause taste a bit sweeter

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Cooks enjoy coming across a new cookie recipe, but once in while the story behind the recipe gives the delectable snack another dimension.

The 2005 Milk & Cookies Calendar features 12 such recipes, plus photographs of the California firefighters who created them. All proceeds benefit the California Fire Foundation, a charitable organization that honors fallen firefighters and assists their families. Last year about $10,000 was raised.

The calendar is sponsored by the California Milk Advisory Board, which challenged firefighters from across the state to create cookies using at least 1/2 cup of butter. The 12 best made the calendar.

One is an original from firefighter Dangkhoa Nguyen of Chula Vista, Calif., who names his cookies "Dalmatians." Yes, they do have spots: When you make, them you press chocolate chips into the butter and cream-cheese frosting that tops sugar cookies.

"I wanted to submit a clever recipe that was representative of the firefighters," Nguyen said.

The 2005 Milk & Cookies Calendar is available for $15, including shipping and handling. Purchase it online at two sites: www.memorial.cpf.org and www.RealCaliforniaCheese.com The calendar is also available by sending a check or money order payable to California Fire Foundation to: Milk & Cookies Calendar, c/o California Fire Foundation, 1780 Creekside Oaks, Sacramento, CA 95833.

For the cookies:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups flour

For the frosting:

1/2 cup butter, softened

8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1-pound box powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips for topping

Cream butter and sugar in large bowl. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and flour, and mix well. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

While dough chills, make frosting: In separate bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until smooth after each addition. Stir in vanilla and set aside.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Roll chilled cookie dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on lightly buttered cookie sheets. Flatten each ball until it is about 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on wire racks. Spread frosting on each cookie and top with chocolate chips. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Source: Firefighter Dangkhoa Nguyen.