When I opened up my Christmas gift from my sister, Brenda, I heard myself sighing, "Ahhh...." It was an exact replica of the cute cookie jar lid that our mom had on her cookie jar, sitting on her counter for years and years. Brenda had painted it for mom, and I assume she painted these for her sisters, too. She's a VERY talented tole painter and crafter. Mom was never much for the homemade cookies....it was usually the store-bought vanilla sandwich kind, and sometimes the creme-filled wafers (choc, strawberry, and vanilla) or, if we were really lucky, Oreos or the Soft Batch Chocolate Chip kind. She always wanted to have cookies to offer anyone who would visit. My nephew, Verle, says that his kids always called her the "Cookie Grandma." In fact, when ordering a spray of flowers for her funeral from the grandchildren, he seriously thought of putting "The Cookie Grandma" on the ribbon.
I really like having homemade cookies in the cookie jar, and I know Roy loves it, too. And Val is always looking to see if there are any in there when he pops his head in. The problem is, when they're in there, I eat them! So I try not to make them very often. We just don't need that temptation. On the other hand, I love to make them, eat the dough, and have them there to offer the grandkids and other visitors. There's got to be a balance in there somewhere, because, if the truth were known, it would probably be a compliment to someday be known as "The Cookie Grandma."
Eddins Favorite Raisin Cookies from Grandma Eddins
Boil 1 1/2 c. raisins with 1 1/2 c. water until all water is absorbed. Set aside to cool. Cream: 1 c. shortening, 1 1/2 c. sugar, and 3 eggs. Add 1 t. soda, 1 t. baking powder, 1/2 t. salt, and 3 1/2 c. flour. Add raisins. Mix well. Roll dough into small balls, roll in sugar, place on greased cookie sheet. Bake @ 350 for 10 minutes.
