Monday's with Mom ...... Gingerbread cookies

Every Christmas mom would make gingerbread cookies. Our favorite were the gingerbread men. We would decorate them with different colored frosting and sprinkles. My brother and I would see who could make the best one. He would often spend an hour on just one cookie! Then he would eat it.....head first of course!

Mom would wrap the cookies in wax paper and put them in tins. She stored them on our back porch. That porch was freezing COLD, but we would still sneak out there in our stocking feet and eat a few when she wasn't looking. She stored a lot of Christmas goodies out there...I got caught more than once in the fudge!

Later, she made gingerbread men with her grandchildren, and they too, have wonderful memories of decorating with Grandma. Her kitchen was so warm and cozy, especially during the cold Minnesota winters. Everything she baked was made with love. It was the best place in the house to be!

When I asked my kids if they wanted any special baked goods this year, I was not surprised when my daughter requested grandma's gingerbread men. Not only do they taste great, they bring back so many warm Christmas memories.We will be thinking of her as we enjoy some this Christmas!

Mom's Gingerbread Cookies

2 1/4 c. flour

1 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 2 Tbsp. hot water

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. shortening

1/2 c. molasses

1 egg

1 Tbsp. cold water ( can add more if needed)

Mix the sugar, molasses,egg, and shortening until light and fluffy. Sift the dry ingredients and stir in with the cold water. Add the hot water with dissolved soda. Chill 30 minutes or more. Roll out on floured board, cut out and bake at 400 for 8 to 10 minutes. ( I baked at 350 for about 10 minutes until lightly browned) Frost if desired.( I used a powdered sugar frosting}