M is for Molasses

Let me start by saying I'm not overly fond of Molasses cookies.  In fact, I wouldn't buy them from a store on a bet. However,
THESE COOKIES ARE FABULOUS, and it's not because it's my Grandmother's recipe either.  Now, this is a secret recipe that I never share with anyone, but I've come to so respect the other bloggers on this challenge that I find I must be generous.

Grandma and Grandpa got married in 1916 and at that time she was not a great cook.  I can remember when I was little Grandpa telling me the story of when they first got married and Grandma made biscuits that were so bad she fed them to the neighbors chicken.  They died, lol.  I don't know how true this story is as she always slapped him with her dishtowel when he told it, but on the other hand, I never knew my Grandpa to lie.  So here it is, exactly how she wrote it in my cook book before she passed away in 1980. The parts in ( ) I added so it will be clear.  I've made them many times and they always disappear quickly.  These are soft cookies and it you store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread, they will stay that way.


Molasses Cookies

2 c sugar  (cups)
1 c lard  soft or melted  (shortening)
1 c molasses
1 c coffee  (I use decaf but it doesn't matter)
2 eggs beaten
2 tsp soda  (baking soda)
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves  (ground)
4 or 5 c flour

Cream sugar, melted lard and eggs together. ( I use shortening or margarine and I don't melt it, just let it soften).  Add coffee when cooled, not hot and then add molasses. Add 4 cups flour, soda, cinnamon, gloves etc and beat good. Let stand overnight.  (I cover and put in fridge for the night or several hours if I'm in a hurry).  If too thin in the morning add 1/2 flour and drop on cookie sheet and bake until brown at 375 for 25-30 minutes.  (In today's over, I have convection, I bake them about 15-16 minutes). You can add 1 c nutmeats or 1 c raisins if you want. Try one on a pie tin to make sure not to thin and if they are add 1/2 cup flour.


Over the years Grandma turned into a wonderful cook, selling her pies and cakes.  She was a wiz at canning and I don't remember ever eating canned vegetables.  Her sloppy joe's were to die for and she canned her own piccadilly to make them.  Her home made Root Beer was a very mysterious project which she did in the cellar in huge stone crocks and bottled herself. Down there was her gas stove for caning, a deep double sink and her wringer washer. The wall were lined with cupboards, filled with mason jar of her 'eats'. On hot summer nights my sister's and I would get in our nightgowns and swing on the metal glider on the front porch, enjoying Root Beer Floats,  Those were the days.  Oh, one more thing about Grandma, she loved Elvis!


Please check out the other blogs on the A-Z spanking blog challenge.