Sunday, October 25, 2009

Mrs. Marks' Gingersnap Cookies ~ The Widow's Mite

I was going to save this post for closer to Christmas because it's a bit of a Christmas story, but these cookies are so good that I wanted to share them now with you. Plus there's a bit of a tie-in at the end.

I used to work in an insurance agency in Plymouth, Massachusetts (America's Hometown says their slogan, although their are other towns that were discovered and settled long before Plymouth, but it's still a catchy slogan), and there was quite a mix of clientele, ranging from descendants of the Pilgrims to immigrants , the financially secure, to those who struggled.

One of my clients was a dear old lady, a widow of some years, living on her meager social security check. She drove a 15-year-old Chrysler that would hiccup and puff clouds of blue smoke as she drove. Once a week she would come in and collect the soda cans we made a point of saving for her and cash them in for their five cent return deposit. For her, every nickle mattered, but we hardly cared, tossing them away. What is a nickle?

At Christmastime, clients came in with gifts for "the girls." There were big pots of perfect ruby red poinsettias purchased from the best florist, huge tins of buttery Danish cookies purchased from the best bakery, boxes of gourmet chocolates wrapped in gold foil and silk ribbons purchased from the best candy store.

About a week before Christmas, Mrs. Marks drove into our parking lot. I watched her from the picture window beside my desk. Her old Chrysler came to an abrupt stop when she hit the tar berm at the end of the parking space, a blue cloud of smoke settling around her. There seemed to be some flustering in the car, but eventually she rolled out the front seat. I got up from my chair to go to the agency's kitchen to retrieve the trash bag of soda pop cans we saved for her. When I came back in, she was already at the counter, smiling, eyes shining, wishing a softly-spoken Very Merry Christmas to everyone.

In front of her, laying on the counter, was a plain white paper plate filled with a dozen or so cookies, wrapped in clear plastic wrap. The wrap didn't cling to the flimsy paper plate, and she neatly tucked it underneath to make a prettier presentation. "I just made these this morning for you girls. " She pushed the plate towards me.

I lifted up one side of the plastic wrap and selflessly took only one cookie. She watched me as I bit into it, trying to glean every nuance of expression. A pause as the deep flavors registered in my brain and in my mouth. I think "WOW!" must have been written on my face. "These are excellent!" I declared.

Mrs. Marks' Gingersnaps are excellent, the very best I ever had. There is no skimping on spices and no skimping on flavor. They can be made soft by slightly undercooking, made crisp by longer cooking. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've made these. And every time I eat one, I think of that beautiful lady, giving the very best she had, from her heart.

Let me share the recipe, just as she wrote it, on the back of her electric light bill envelope.

Ginger Snaps

1 cup sugar
3/4 c shortening
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons soda (she means baking soda)
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon cloves1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon salt
a little additional sugar for rolling balling of doughs into

Mix all together. Roll in small balls and dip one side in sugar. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grins. Her directions are as frugal as she was.

Okay, so I slightly change the method. In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening. Add the egg and molasses, mix well. Sift together the dry ingredients and gradually add to the wet, just until blended. Do not overmix. Take small pinches of dough and roll into balls about the size of a small walnut (these cookies will spread).

In a separate small plate or bowl, sprinkle maybe 1/4 cup of sugar. Roll one side only of the ball of dough in the sugar. Place sugared balls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. I tend to like my cookies a little on the soft side so I start checking at ten minutes baking time.

And while we're on the subject of giving from the heart, I'd like to take a moment and acknowledge several fellow bloggers. I made it to my 100th post (four posts ago, grins) and along the way, these wonderful, beautiful ladies have gone far above and beyond in sharing their time and friendship with me. They have extended their hand in friendship, encouragement and inspiration and cheerful camaraderie.

Cooking is a soulcraft, I think. Those who love to cook for those they love and care about are nurturers. Once we have taken our first breath, it is our mother's breast and heartbeat that we crave. And once the babe no longer needs the breast, we still continue to show our love through the foods we prepare and present. The loving heart still beats and we still crave its comforting sound.

For my friends (in the order that I met you),
Trish, at The Mad Chemist and Schemmelhos
Coleen at Coleen's Recipes
Ang at Gulf Coast Gram
Chaya at Sweet and Savory Says It All and Have The Cake and The Bad Girl's Kitchen

I want to give you a small acknowledgment for the greatest gift, your friendship. Bless you and all you do.

And many blessings to my fellow foodies and bloggers. You give cheer and sustenance and lift up those around you. I pray that your hearts beat long and strong.

47 comments:

  1. What a sweet story and how kind of you to let her share your enjoyment! We all like to know that our baking made someone happy!

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  2. And dear Katy, each time we make this recipe and eat one of the cookies, we will think of you.

    Better still, with your permission, we should share this beautiful and meaningful story with others.

    We all learn from love.

    Chaya

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  3. What a precious story,Katy!! I'm so glad you told this story NOW because it is one that we can think about THROUGHOUT the holiday months,the meaning of giving and the value of friendship. Thank you so much for acknowledging me and calling me your friend. There are certain people who I feel a kindred spirit with on these blogging pages and you are certainly at the top of the list.

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  4. What a lovely story. Mrs. Marks is a very special lady... and so are you Katy! :-) The cookies look fantastic... so full of flavor and such perfect shapes too.

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  5. What a beautiful post my dear friend. Just like you!

    Vanessa

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  6. Lovely heatfelt story. That is part of the joy of sharing recipes, the stories behind the recipes.

    The cookies sound and look just perfect.

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  7. What a lovely start to my Sunday morning Katy! Thank you for sharing that touching experience. I also loved what you said, about cooking to nourish those we love even after the baby no longer feeds from her mother.... it really felt so relevent. I will be baking Halloween cookies for my older daughter this week and Mrs. Marks recipe I will follow.

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  8. What a wonderful story!! I equally love the fact that the recipe was written on the back of a power bill envelope! I've actually found great recipes that way..tucked inside used books. These cookies sound wonderful.

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  9. I love the story. You told it well. I love gingersnaps and will keep this recipe. Can't wait to make them. Thanks so much for this great post.

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  10. That story was so inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing it and of course a big thanks for sharing the recipe. I am definitely going to try these cookies. I am thinking about a plate of cookies and a big mug of hot chocolate on a chilly day! YUMMY!! Happy Sunday.

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  11. What a beautiful post, Katy :) I so wish that I had just one of these gorgeous gingersnaps to bite into. Congrats on your 100 posts...from which you have brought many joy :)

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  12. I love the story that went along with these delicious cookies. It is so heartwarming :D. Perfect for the holiday season, but also for any day of the year.

    I will make these cookies and when I do, I will think of Mrs. Marks. And smile.

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  13. What a wonderful story. Mrs. Marks touched your soul and mine. Her cookies sounds delicious.

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  14. There is nothing more special than a 'cookie with a story'. I am glad you posted this early. It would be a great treat for my Christmas trays and I can repeat the story when people's eyes light up at the taste. Katy, I am so happy that our paths crossed. I have smiled so many times from your beautiful stories. You have the most beautiful heart and soul.

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  15. Awwwww....Katy dear. I am glad you shared the story today and didn't wait until Christmas. The widow's mite indeed! You have a way of 'tying things' together....perhaps your place in life is to be there, in the right place at the right moment....then to share these simple stories with others who are so blessed. Look how this lady was blessed by you saving those cans....and she did the best she could to show her gratefulness. You are right ...what you said on my post the other day.. food transcends all. Culture, faith, distance, generations.... and the gift of something made by one's self...a life basic like food...is one of the greatest expressions of love. Great story. I made ginger cookie balls this weekend...but no story attached I am afraid...grin...unless I can say that cookie crumbs led me to the hubby's office late one night. Have a great Sunday my southern belle.

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  16. Katy, your ginger snaps look 200% perfect! I am bookmarking the recipe!

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  17. I LOVE gingersnap cookies but I've never made them. They are the perfect winter cookie though, thanks for posting your recipe!

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  18. Katy, thanks for a heartwarming story, it brought tears to my eyes more than once today. And I'm honored to be counted among your friends...so glad you found me. Gingersnaps are a favorite of mine, can't wait to try these.
    Min
    The Bad Girl's Kitchen

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  19. What a lovely post, Katypi--a great story too!

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  20. Katy, you know I am a sucker for these stories. Who wouldn't rather have one of her cookies made for you than that finest gift from the finest store that someone else picked out and was deducted from their taxes.

    I love this recipe, and this post.

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  21. I just love this post! Your blog always warms my heart. Gingersnaps are one of my favorites, but I've never actually baked them. I'm holding onto this recipe. Thank you.

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  22. A beautiful story for sure...I'm sure she was an awesome lady. The cookies sound wonderful :)

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  23. What a wonderful story! Beautiful! And if the simple sight of those delicious cookies hadn't already made me want to bake them the story clinched it for me. Thank you!

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  24. Love this beautiful story Katy and of course the cookies look amazing..like you could pick one right out of the screen! Thank you so much..a good read to start the day:)

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  25. Katy that story was so beautiful and touching. I LOVE making recipes that have a special meaning behind them. I will make these as soon as I can for the holidays. They sound wonderful and your blog is an absolute delight to read! You write so open and honest.

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  26. That such a sweet story and I can't wait to try these cookies for Christmas.

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  27. this is such a wonderful post! definitely a perfect way to bring in the holidays, and the cookies sound full of love, as well as delicious! i'm so glad that i've been able to meet you through the blog world too, your beautiful soul shines through each of your posts!

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  28. That was beautiful post!

    Katy you should know that I (& am sure many others) appreciate the time you take to make, photograph, and blog about so many yummy dishes.

    I've said it before and I'll say it again...thank you for sharing your yeast expertise and motivating me to get out of my comfort zone.
    ~ingrid

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  29. What a touching story Katy! Thanks for sharing it, and those cookies looks amazing. Have a nice evening.

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  30. Oh Katy. What a wonderful story so beautifully told. Bless her heart and bless you too for being just as giving as she was. I will make these cookies in honor of both of you.

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  31. I am always moved when I read these kind of stories. What a great way to present the recipe for the Ginger Snap cookies.

    This blog post was wonderful!

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  32. What a heart-warming story! The cookies look delicious! Thanks for sharing!

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  33. Thank you so much for sharing this story and recipe. It's a wonderful reminder of life's blessings. Congrats on your 100th post. I'm glad you liked the 'prize' and didn't have to wait for Christmas for new potholders! Happy blogging!

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  34. Katy! I think you just handed me my ten-minute holiday play - where I have been blocked. Everyone wants funny - but maybe not this time. And it could be funny-sweet. The story is lovely (teary!) and we are a home of gingersnap lovers. So when I bake this, I will think of that dear, sweet lady and you.

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  35. Sweet, sweet post, Katy. Thanks for always sharing from your heart.

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  36. Such a sweet post, Katy, and a sweet treat! my MIL made these yummy, spicy cookies too and they are my favorite cookie.
    Thanks for writing such wonderful posts for us to read and enjoy; I'll think of this lady often-she gave the best she had!

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  37. What a touching story. I love gifts such as these and this recipe is getting bookmarked. I have a pumpkin dip that calls for this cookie for dipping. Can't wait to try them. I'll think of this story each time I make them. Thanks.

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  38. Katy
    Such a touching story. You have a special gift of a super special story teller!
    Just goes to show that its the small things in life that should never be overlooked,these are the biggest blessings! Thank you for sharing, I needed a smile today and yes I did well up thinking how blessed you were to have known such a special lady!
    I will enjoy making these cookies this Christmas.

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  39. Thanks everyone for all the sweet comments. I savor each and every one of them. Sharing with all of you and hearing your words of encouragement and friendshipis one of the reasons that blogging is so much fun and gives meaning to being here.

    Hugs & Blessings,
    Katy

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  40. What a beautiful story Katy! I can almost taste these cookies as I'm reading

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  41. These look yummy! I'll have to give them a try.

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  42. Thank you for sharing your sweet story. Those cookies were made even more delicious, I'm sure, because they were made with love. I adore a gingerbread cookie this time of year.

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  43. Such beautiful words and a very beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it and of course the recipe. I love your description and story. You are a gifted writer Katy.

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  44. first time here, Ginger cookies looks awesome...swingby our blog whenever you find time...thanks for sharing...

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  45. Dear Katy, that's a touching story indeed and I love the way ur posts are filled with feelings so humanly and innate.
    Liked the cookies, we do not get mollasses here, how can I replace them?

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  46. Katy, I love gingersnaps. Your cookies look perfect. Would love a couple to dip in my tea.

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  47. Congrats on your 100th!!! Loved this post!!! You are such a beautiful writer, with so much love and care that goes into each word that you type! To have friends - you have to be one, and you definitely have been an encouragement to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here's looking to 100 more!!!! Yippeee....

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