Madison House Chef

Mace Cookies (Great for Cookie Cutters)

 

Written on the back of an old envelope, this is one of my favorite cookie recipes of all time, especially for making cut out cookies to decorate with colorful sprinkling sugar, like these Valentine's cookies.

Family: Can you identify this envelope? Hint below…

(HINT: In the original photo the envelope has the return home address of my cousin whose fiance’s home was in Virginia. (you should know already) They’ve been married over 20 years (you should definitely know now). Last hint: the zip code was 22031.) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molasses Cookies

Today I made dozens upon dozens of molasses cookies from the family recipe that has come down through the generations.  I remember these being made at my Grandma Garland’s house and I’ve come to learn that they were my grandpa’s number one choice of cookie.  He especially liked them when they were seasoned with a heavy hand on the cloves.

As it turns out not only was this my grandpa’s favorite, but it is now the hands down favorite in my own house.  Gregory will request these if he knows that I’m about to bake and Ken chooses them over even Congo Squares.  Even Madeleine eats and enjoys them.

Lebkuchen

 

A traditional recipe from our family heritage and an opportunity to pass along a lesson in baking from grandmother to granddaughter. 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifesavers are a Life Saver

When we travel (we've logged over 3000 miles thus far on this trip) my mouth and lips get dry and I need something soothing.  This trip it's been LIFESAVER candies.  The taste began with a single roll purchased at a gas station.  Later, while visiting Gordons in Grand Rapids to pick up spices, potatoes, and parchment paper (all items I have particular favorites for and can't get them in the RGV) we picked up an enormous bag of Lifesavers and all 4 of us have been enjoying them since the first southern-ward miles.  Along the miles we had quite a discussion about the flavors which I've come to realize after a little searching have in fact changed.  The original flavors were lemon, lime and orange with cherry and pineapple added soon after.  I remember getting Lifesavers in my Christmas stocking as a kid and Ken has always had a penchant for the roll of cherry.  

I'm sorry to report that we've not had any meals "to write home about" in the last couple of days.  We're looking for a good BBQ place along the way but thus far no luck.  Perhaps we'll just have to wait until we get home and have some of Ken's amazing ribs! (I'll post the recipe tomorrow and some photos from one of the recent times he made them.)