Baking

It used to be so easy to get rid of the holiday baking.  With a whole boatload (correction "ship"load) of sailors, I could cook and bake everyday and I could send it immediately to the crew.  I have been baking this week, but for the workers at the farm.  There are not 100's of workers there, so there are extras around the house ... many are going in the freezer.  I began making this recipe for hubby while out to see - molasses cookies keep well and ship well.  I love these because of he cayenne which gives a little kick to the already spicy cookie.

Molasses Crinkles

2 1/4 c flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c veg. shortening

1/4 c unsalted butter, softened

1 c dark brown sugar

1 large egg

1/2 c molasses (not black strap or barbados)

granulated sugar for tops of cookies

Mix flour, soda, and spices in bowl.

Beat shortening, butter, brown sugar until pale and fluffy.  Add egg and molasses, beating until combined.  Mix in flour mixture until combined.

Preheat oven to 375*

Roll 1 heaping tsp of cough into a 1 inch ball with wet hands, then dip 1 end of ball in sugar.  Place sugared side up 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes.  Cool 1 minute on sheets.  Cool completely on racks.