Spice on a rainy day

Posted on March 3rd, 2009 

Today I baked some molasses cookies that I have been meaning to bake
since my friend Mary sent me the recipe. The recipe was sent via a
recipe exchange chain letter. I normally delete chain letters, but the
prospect of receiving 36 favorite recipes from friends and strangers was
too tempting to pass up. Mary, who is one of my dearest friends, sent me
an email explaining that the molasses cookies were one of her most
favorite recipes. Unfortunately she failed to attach the promised
recipe. I promptly picked up the phone and said, "Send me that darn
recipe now!"

It is three months later and a rainy day. I was aching from a long run
in the rain and I decided a soothing balm would be to make those
favorite cookies from one of my favorite people. "I decided to be neat
and tidy when making these cookies, something I am not always capable of
when trying new recipes. I usually try three recipes at a time, a habit
that sometimes creates mistakes instead of successes. I can't seem to
tame my enthusiasm for baking and cooking, so one recipe at a time is
never enough. I was determined to make only the molasses cookies, but I
was able to catch The Martha Stewart Show this morning. She had a chef
on from Benoit making Tarte Tatin with sable crust, and I was caught in
his spell. I baked the sable crust while the cookies were in the oven. I
also put corned beef on the stove in honor of the upcoming St. Patty's
Day. Okay I can't ever cook or bake with out making three things at
once.

molasses cookie

I made the cookies without any mishaps and they turned out great. With a
cup of PG Tips and a cookie I sat down to enjoy one. As I tasted the
cookie I was gracefully embraced by their likeness to my friend Mary.

They were sweet although not too sweet, and spicy without a trace of
bitterness. They were classic,not gaudy, a style that will last a
lifetime. They were tricky in their appeal, a bit intense, full of
spice, and oh how they finished with a kick. They made me want more. I
am going to make these cookies in the bakery. I won't call them molasses
cookies, sorry Mary. I will call them Spicemerry Cookies. I know that
you all will all like them as much as I do. If you have a friend who can
make you laugh and is still the one you call when you need a shoulder,
you can name them after your friend, they are deserving. Spicemerry
cookies

* 1/3 cup sugar plus 1/3 cup for dipping 
* 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed 
* 6 oz unsalted butter,softened 
* 1 egg yolk
* 1 tsp vanilla 
* 1/2 cup molasses 
* 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour 
* 1 tsp baking soda 
* 1 1/2 tsp grd cinnamon 
* 1 1/2 tsp grd ginger 
* 1/2 tsp grd cloves 
* 1/4 tsp grd allspice 
* 1/4 tsp grd black pepper 
* 1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350F. Line two baking sheets with silpat liners or
parchment paper. Set 1/3 cup sugar aside in a dish for rolling.

In a standing mixer mix the butter and the sugars together until fluffy
(about 3 min). Reduce speed and add the yolk,vanilla;increase the speed
and beat 20 seconds until incorporated. Reduce speed and add the
molasses; beat until fluffy. Stop the mixer add the dry ingredients that
have been measured together in a bowl. Carefully turn on the mixer so
not to spray the flour everywhere. Mix until incorporated. Do not
overmix. Make sure that there are no flour pockets. Using a tablespoon
scoop out balls, roll them in your hands and roll them in the sugar.
Press them lightly down onto the tray, 2 inches apart. Bake one sheet at
a time. Bake for exactly 10 minutes.They will be brown and still a bit
puffy looking, don't be fooled they are done, they will harden up a bit
when they cool.