Monday, November 26, 2012

Hard & Fast Cooking Rules-Momma's Old Fashioned Ginger Snaps



Baking with Mama always comes with rules, doesn't it? 

After a thorough wash, rule numero uno is of utmost importance-roll up your sleeves. Nothing irks my Grandma more than someone working in the kitchen with their sleeves hanging down, all sloppy like that Martha Stewart on the TV. How could you go on national television with your sleeves hanging down while you work in the kitchen? Yes, ladies, my Grandma does truly have the cornerstone on home making and probably could out cook Martha any day, with her sleeves rolled up. 

This ginger snap cookie recipe comes from my Momma-my great Grandma on this side of the family. It has been faithfully made in our family for several generations, and I can remember the warm scent of my mom cooking these up in our kitchen around Christmas. If I was helping at Grandma's house, she was sure to give us girl's a taste of molasses straight off the spoon. When I was eight years old this seemed like a delicacy. Have you ever tried it as an adult though? Not quite what I had envisioned. 

Mom always pushed these cookies flat with a fork, and they were so nice and crispy with a cup of tea. I like to roll them into tiny balls, covered in sugar and they are left soft and chewy. 

Try them out, but please, make sure to avoid being anything like Martha and roll up your sleeves. 

Momma's Ginger Snaps

3/4c shortening
1c brown sugar
1 egg 
1/4 c molasses
2 1/4 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves

Mix wet ingredients together with beater. Mix dry ingredients in and add cloves. Roll in small balls & dip in sugar. Bake 12 minutes at 350F.

Mix in double or triple batches around Christmas. These cookies freeze well and are the perfect addition to any chilly winter day with a glass of milk or tea. 


Proof is in the pudding-or in this case, cookies. Served best to a three year old with milk!

15 comments:

Gumbo Lily said...

Oh Yum! These are my favorite cookies and my family's too. I agree with Grandma, "Roll up your sleeves for Pete's sake!" Love the milk-stache on that sweet girl's face.

Libbie said...

maybe that is my problem...i just need to roll my sleeves up! Those ginger cookies look like our family recipe & I love them so much! But not as much as I love your sweet girl's milk mustache!

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

I love recipes that have been in families for generations - like my shortbread recipe. Interesting that the texture is so different depending on whether they are flattened or rolled into a ball. I'll have to give them a try.

Petie said...

Yum! I agree about the sleeves. I was watching Food Network's Thanksgiving special last week and none of the chef's had apron's on. What? Love the family stories.

Crystal said...

Oh I love soft gingersnaps, but I guess they aren't snaps if they are soft, mmmm. Sounds good, I may have to try them cause I am really good at getting milk mustaches too.

Alicia said...

Oh dear, this might just be the number 1 tradition beginning December. Gingersnaps, gingerbread house, & cute milk 'stashes. Thank you for the inspiration! We'll be rolling some of these out soon.

Lindsay said...

Cute pic at the end there! :)

Would backstrap molasses work? I don't know the difference, but I have some of that on hand.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE these cookies!!! And I have to admit, I can eat molasses strait from the jar... mmm, good stuff!
And I agree, roll up those sleeves!

Pom Pom said...

Hi Cheyenne! Oh, the snaps look delicious! I was thinking about making them before school today, but I have to arrive early to make copies. Darn.
What an adorable face that is! Cutie pie!

Joy Tilton said...

New reader... had to giggle when I read the part about Martha not rolling her sleeves up, that has bugged me forever! Just plain not done in my kitchen, those sleeves are rolled up and hands washed... LOL! Your pictures make me want to put on an extra sweater, but my midwest heart loves the snow. Can't wait to go back and play catch-up reading your posts. Come over to Granny Mountain for a visit!

Anonymous said...

My Grannie's ultimate favorite cookies as well. Love your blog so full of heart & sincerity! An amazing Mother, Wife & Friend. We are the lucky ones :). Thank you for sharing your humor & the importance of family!

Barb :)

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

i love gingersnaps..and I like your method best. It will surely be in my pastry dome this christmas season :-)

Rachel said...

Oh yes, gotta love'em!!
Love that little gal with her sweet milk mustach-eo!

Holly said...

Nothing better than the smell of childhood baking in the kitchen! And your precious daughter...so lovely!
What a joy to be in your kitchen today!

sleepy headed mom said...

Those look so yummy. I haven't had a decent ginger snap in years. Just thinking of eating them brings back so many wonderful memories for me. I so have to make them.

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