I got a message from Joe asking for a recipe for molasses cookies. This cookie recipe is from an old, dough covered cookbook I acquired almost 40 years ago. I have been using this recipe for the holidays and for gifts for most of those years. I am also including a favorite chocolate recipe (I have many favorites). Either of these would be perfect for those emergency gifts for unexpected opportunities with a pretty wrapper, box or tin.
Molasses Cookie
1 cup molasses
1 cup sugar
1/ 2 cup shortening
1/ 2 cup butter
1 egg
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 3/ 4 cup flour
1 1/ 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 1/ 2 teaspoons ginger
1 1/ 2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/ 2 teaspoons cloves
3/ 4 teaspoon salt
2/ 3 cup boiling water
Directions: Mix sugar, melted shortening and melted butter. Stir in molasses and vanilla. Beat in egg. Mix and sift together flour, cream of tartar, salt and spices; set aside. Dissolve soda in boiling water add to molasses mixture, stir to mix. Add sifted dry ingredients all at once. Mix well to make a smooth dough. Chill.
On floured board, roll dough to 1/ 4 inch thickness. Cut with 3 inch cutter. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet, leaving 2 1/ 2 inches between each cookie. Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. Watch baking carefully, molasses cookies burn easily.
Church Window Candy
1/2 cup butter
1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) package flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 (10.5 ounce) package rainbow colored miniature marshmallows
Directions: Melt butter and chocolate chips in a pan over low heat. Let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in walnuts and marshmallows. Let cool.
Spread coconut on waxed paper. Divide the cooled dough into two even portions. Form each portion into a long roll. Coat the rolls with the coconut. Wrap the rolls in waxed paper then again in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight or longer. Cut into 1/2 inch slices to serve
I really enjoy this time with you each week and would love to hear from you. Do you have any requests? Is there a recipe you have been looking for or remember from your younger years? Can I help you find it? Do you have any recipes that are special to you that you could share with us? Please contact me at susieqcooking@outlook.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
