Friend or Foe?

There is a love/hate relationship in my home. My arch nemesis is here. Temptation surrounds me. I can't rest until it's gone. But on the other hand, I love having it around. It's sooo good. Darn you. Darn you to heck!


Gingersnap cookies. My kryptonite.

I love my grandma's recipe for gingersnap cookies. It's more like I have an addiction to them. Whenever they're around I can't walk by without eating one. I have even put them in the freezer so they're out of sight. But I know that they're there. I suffer from this temptation until they're gone. And usually it's me who makes sure they are. Then, of course, I feel crappy because I ate 2-3 dozen cookies in about 48 hours. (you think I'm kidding, don't you?). So why do I make them? Because they never fail and I love them so much. The smell of them cooking is heaven. I once took some dough over to a friend's house for a girl's night and we baked up fresh, warm gingersnaps to eat. There were some left over when her husband came home and he told her, "These are the best cookies you've ever made!" She had to inform him that she didn't make them. So, a note to hubbies out there- Make sure you know who did the cooking before you make exclamations about it being the best she's ever made, cause you never know!



So you're wondering if I will share the recipe, aren't you? OK. It's not like a secret. Besides I need some fellow addicts.

Winter's Best Gingersnaps

Cream together: 1 1/2 c. margarine (or butter), 2 c sugar, 2 eggs

Add: 1/2 c molasses (spray the measuring cup with nonstick spray first and it's easier to get out), 4 c flour, 2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp cloves, 2 tsp ground ginger (not the root). You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is really sticky because you're going to be rolling the dough into balls. Sometimes it helps to chill the dough a little before rolling.

Roll into balls (ping pong size), and roll in sugar (about 3/4 c).

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes (depending on whether you like them soft or crunchy and also depending on the size. I personally like smaller cookies and perhaps that's why this batch usually makes about 6 dozen). You know when they are done when they get the little cracks on the top.

Bon Appetit!

I made 6 dozen on Saturday evening.

I gave away 3 dozen.

This is all that's left. Help me!

Actually, maybe I just need an exercise buddy! We'll eat cookies while we walk!