I got a message from a reader of The Houlton Pioneer Times asking for a recipe for molasses cookies. This cookie recipe is from an old, dough covered cookbook I acquired almost 40 years ago. I also received a request from a reader named Ken requesting a recipe for an apple crisp that doesn’t use oatmeal. How easy is this? Two of my favorite recipes!
The apple crisp is a recipe I got from a friend long ago. (also near 40 years ago). Her mom would make it and send in a dish to me at work. Yumm. Fern, when you talk to your niece, let her know how much we have enjoyed this dish every year.
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.
Apple Crisp
4 cups sliced apples
1 tsp cinnamon
1/ 4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1/ 4 cup water
3/ 4 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/ 3 cup butter or margarine
Directions: Peel and slice apples into a 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with the spices salt and add water. Work flour, sugar and butter together until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples. Press down so mixture will cover apples.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream if desired. It is also great cold.
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@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
