Christmas Memories

It was hard to decide which recipe and memory I wanted to share today. I didn't realize I had so many. Since I have only one FAVORITE cookie recipe, I thought I would share that today. My grandmother's carrot cookies are slightly sweet, and more like a little cake than a heavy cookie. I did not know my grandmother well because she passed away when I was three years old, but I know she made great cookies.  My aunt still makes these (and several other) cookies each year at Christmas time, which is when grandma used to make them. I think the original recipe was actually my great-grandmother Martha Bodenhammer's, so this recipe has been through at least three generations now. Although grandma, and my aunt made them around the holidays, I love to make them any time so that I can have a taste of Christmas year round. I think I will make them soon too, because I have the January/February doldrums (not too sure if that is spelled correctly)....and I there is nothing like the taste of Christmas to perk you right up! If you bake at all, you probably have everything you need in the pantry....so roll up your sleeves and get ready for a taste of the holidays!! Enjoy!

Grandma Bodenhammer's Carrot Cookies

Cookies

3/4 c. Crisco

3/4 c. sugar

1 egg beaten

1 c. cooked, mashed carrots

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. raisins (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes) I am guessing that you can use craisins if you prefer as well~hmmm...good idea, I may just try that next time.

2 c. sifted flour

1/4 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

1/3 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Icing

2 c. powdered sugar

2 tbsp. soft butter

orange juice ...just enough to mix

1/2 tsp coconut flavoring (if you don't like coconut use almond)

2 drops yellow food coloring

(use a cake decorating bag with a round tip to ice cookies)

Cream Crisco and sugar. Add carrots,vanilla, and egg. Mix well. sift flour, salt, baking  powder.  Add to creamed mixture. Fold in raisins and nuts. Drop by spoon full on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. (makes about 4 dozen cookies)

Let them cool on a rack, and then drizzle with the icing. Enjoy!! I love this as a fall cookie as well....or any time!