Christmas Cookies

As mentioned before, I love baking. Yesterday BAP and I put our hands at the mixer and made a wonderful batch of cookies. Quite a large number too. Mom made these all the time when I was little; just love them. I can still taste the love Mom added.

Oma's Ginger Gems

2 eggs

1/2 cup molasses

2 cups white sugar

1 1/2 cups shortening (part butter - I used 1 cup butter & 1/2 cup shortening)

4 1/2 cups flour

4 t powdered ginger

2 t baking soda

2 t cinnamon

2 t cloves

1/4 t salt

1 t instant coffee granuales (I omit)

extra white sugar

Cream eggs, molasses, sugar and shortening. Combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ones. Beat until just combined. (My sister's tip: refrigerate at this point for about 1 hour or more). Pinch small portions of dough; roll; roll in sugar (about the size between a nickel and quarter). Place on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes. Completely cool on cookie sheet.

Yield: 8-9 dozen