The theme for my newspaper column next week is on asking your family elders how Christmas was celebrated decades ago.

And here is one such story:

If my grandma and her sister were still alive, I’m sure they could tell us how long this recipe has been in the family. Although I got it from my sisters, it would have come from my grandma or her sister.

It would not be a cookie typically made these days, given the shortening base and the fact a flour sifter is called for in the instructions. And I can’t think of many modern recipes that ask for molasses.

Molasses Crinkles

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the following:

  • 1 cup shortening.
  • 1/4 cup molasses.
  • 3/4 cup sugar.
  • 1 egg.

Sift together:

  • 1 3/4 cup flour.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda.
  • 1 teaspoon ginger.
  • 1/2 teaspoon powdered cloves.

Stir the dry mixture into the moist mixture and blend well. Chill for 1 hour. Shape into 1-inch balls. Dip tops into granulated sugar. Arrange on cookie sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

They look like this:

Now if you want a good laugh, here it is:

I had to use the flashlight app on my iPhone to poke around and find out where my flour sifter was hiding in the cupboard.

 

 

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