Bea's Molasses Crinkles

  My friend, Elaine, gave me permission to use her grandmother's recipe and to share it with others. So I took pictures of my baking event. I really love this recipe because it is so easy to make and tastes delicious. It reminds me of my childhood when my mom would make them for us. 

  I mixed the shortening, brown sugar, egg, and molasses first. Then you add the dry ingredients. You have to chill the dough before forming into balls about the shape of a walnut. I made mine slightly bigger or maybe my idea of a walnut is too small. Whatever, the bigger size came out better.

 I let the dough chill for about 30 minutes to an hour. I used a small scoop to try and get the balls to be more uniform, but you can eyeball it, too.                                       

                                                         

The mixing did not take any time at all. I loved rolling them in sugar. Next I sprinkled each cookie with 2 or 3 drops of water for a crackled surface. Hence the name of the cookie.

These are how they came out. I love the crinkled effect . Makes them look more delicious.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these little gems. I tried to include a picture of Elaine's batch , but for some reason I couldn't do it.. The recipe is below. Happy eating!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Wicked fun to make....

  I was in a feverish Valentine mode for the last few days, making cards, boxes, and cookies. Seems like this day comes wicked fast in February. But I got everything done and out to the mailbox in time, I hope. I made a couple of the "Magic Boxes". They are so fun to make and easy once you've done one.My sister, Chris made them and so I got hooked. See her Magic Box here. Cally Lily Studio Blog You can get directions for these from a  blog called  "Life as Lou". Here is the link:  Magic Boxes

Here is a picture of what the inside looks like. The cover goes on top and the other boxes fall into place. It's great for any occasion. I put nuts, fish crackers, and a few chocolates in each section. I will be making these again, I am sure.

For Russ and Cindy

  I also made a Valentine cards for my friend, Cindy and my husband, Russ. I found a card on Splitcoast Stampers   Vintage Card   that I really loved. The heart is from Stampin Up's  "Always" stamp set. I love the design in the heart. I sewed on cards which is the first time I've ever done that. I swore I'd never do it, but then I bought a rotary puncher from We R Memory Keepers. They have a line of  punches that makes holes for zigzag stitching  and other types of sewing stitches that makes it easier to sew. I really liked the effect on my inspiration card.

Yummy...

  Then I just had to make these molasses cookies that my friend, Elaine made last week. They were awesome. It was her grandmother's recipe and she was willing to share it with me. I made them yesterday and they came out perfect. The taste is to die for... They are easy to make, too.  I would share the recipe,but I have to ask Elaine if she minds that her grandmother's recipe is on my blog.
 Well, Valentine's Day is here and I can heave a sigh of relief that I accomplished my goals. I hope everyone has a wonderful day celebrating with the people they love.

The Urge to Cook..

I guess it's time to knock the icicles down.

   I had a good day today. My sister, Rochelle, our friend, Cindy, and my mom landed safely in Orlando, Florida. I hope they all have a great time in the 80 degree weather. The picture on the left shows you what kind of weather we are having in Maine now.
   But I am happy part of my family can enjoy Florida. Hopefully we will be going in March to help break up this dreary weather.
    Anyway, I decided to not work on my cardmaking, even though I have a few to make. I decided to cook. I really feel like cooking is another way to express your creativity. When it's good food; people appreciate your efforts.

They don't look that bad. Do they?

So I made this recipe I found in a magazine. They are raspberry bars. They have almonds, coconut, and raspberry preserves in them. My husband liked them. Not so much love, but liked. I have to agree that they were okay.Not sure why I didn't swoon over them... I hate to say it,but they didn't have a speck of chocolate in them. I guess I am a chocoholic.  If you have made them, let me know what you did to make them better.

P.S. I Love these Raspberry Almond bars now... I tried one for a snack right from the frig and they were yummy. I guess they have to be cold to really get the flavor of the raspberry... Who knew????