Recipe(tried): Mom's Awesome Hermits (1960's)

MOM'S AWESOME HERMITS

I have no idea where my mom found this recipe, but I remember her making these in the late 1960's. I think this is the best hermit recipe on planet earth! The trick is to not overbake them and to cut them into slices (like you would cut biscotti--on the bias). I have made these for family gatherings, co-workers-they disappear in an instant!



3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons water
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Mix together the shortening and sugar; add molasses and 2 tablespoons water. Add eggs, but leave out 1 tablespoon of egg white for the glaze.

Combine flour, baking soda, and the spices; stir into creamed mixture. Fold in raisins and walnuts.

Make 3 ropes out of the dough. Place them on a cookie sheet. Brush on the egg white to glaze.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 17 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE. When cooled a little, cut on the bias.

Recipe: Mom (Genevieve) 1960's
Photo: Kathy-MA