Recipe of the Week: Ginger Cookies

Our mother is an extraordinarily talented baker. We learned the art of cookie making and cake baking at her elbow and have passed that love of baking on to our own children. We don’t know the provenance for this recipe which our mom handed down to us. We do know that when we make it for bake sales, parties or picnics, they are gone in minutes and people ask for the recipe. The recipe is quick, easy and fun for kids to make because you can let them shape the balls and roll them in sugar. See if you find them as addictive as our family does.

Joyce’s Ginger Cookies2 cups flour2 tsp baking soda½ tsp salt1 tsp cinnamon1 tsp ginger½ tsp cloves 1 cup packed brown sugar¾ cup butter¼ cup molasses1 egg

1. Mix flour and spices together in a bowl.2. Cream sugar, butter, molasses and egg thoroughly.3. Add dry mixture, half at a time and stir thoroughly.4. Make one inch balls, roll in fruit sugar or regular sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes. (the longer you bake them the crisper they will be). Makes roughly 3 dozen cookies