Good Rainy Morning from Brookings

Blueberry pancakes and bacon, not a bad way to start a day.

The storms are back and there is nothing better to do on  a blustery day but to put the oven to good use.  I got a start on Christmas cookies yesterday and made the molasses crinkles and peanut butter cookies.

Molasses Crinkles

1 cup of packed brown sugar;  3/4 cup shortening; 1/4 cup of molasses
1 egg; 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda;
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Granulated sugar
Mix brown sugar, shortening, molasses and egg.  Mix in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.  Cover and refrigerate at least one hour. 
Heat oven to 375 degrees; Shape dough by rounded teaspoonfuls into balls.  Dip tops in granulated sugar. Place balls sugared sides up about three inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake just until set, 10-12 minutes. Immediately remove from cookie sheet.  About 4 dozen cookies.

Peanut butter Cookies

1/2 cup granulated sugar;  1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup shortening;  1/2 cup peanut butter; 1 egg;
1-1/4 cups all purpose or whole wheat flour;  3/4 teaspoon of baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Mix sugars,shortening; peanut butter and egg.  Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.   Cover and refrigerate at least three hours.    Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Shape dough into 3/4 inch balls.  Place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet;  cool completely.  Put cookies together in pairs with jam or jelly if you like, or just leave them plain and enjoy every bite.

So today, if you are home and it is blustery out there and you want to stave off boredom, go out into your kitchen and get started on your Christmas cookies.    I had finished just in time as Jock came in from his duck hunting trip and he and Pat brought me over the remains of their wonderful dinner . . . I didn't have to cook . . . it was delicious and they had no desert over there and Pat said she knew where there was some.   I had a plate of cookies wrapped and ready for Jock to take home.    He is a cookie monster and never, ever, complains.    I am betting you know a cookie monster or two . . . don't forget to put on the tea pot, or coffee if you prefer, or even drop a few miniature marshmallows in some hot chocolate and have a cookie or two, after all the cook should try the cookies out to make sure they came out just right.   And . . . don't forget to put on the Christmas music and hum along.  I'm sure it helps to make the cookies come out just right.     I'm 'making a list, and checking it twice, gonna find out who is naughty' and make up a plate of cookies for them....bet you top the list.   Hugs to all.