I'm always in search of the best possible version of a recipe.
If it isn't just how I want it, I tweak it or continue my search until confection perfection is achieved... and in this case, I got it right on the first try.
Molasses cookies are a beautiful way to feature a flavor that might otherwise seem too strong or overpowering. Personally, I love things that are "neutral" flavored (caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, honey, etc).
The pungent molasses flavor in these cookies is nicely offset by the sweet overtones of the added honey (I used some local raw honey that I snatched up at a farmer's market in Rhinebeck, NY). Once I ate one, it was hard to keep myself from eating 2... or 6 more.
I think I will try steeping in some chai tea next time ;)
For now though, life just seemed to call for something simple and satisfying.
Honey & Molasses Cookies
Makes 2 dozen medium-sized cookies
Ingredients:
3/4 c butter, slightly softened
1 c brown sugar
1 ea egg
.5 c molasses
1/8 c honey
1.5 c whole wheat flour
1 c All Purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
.5 tsp. salt
.5 tsp. nutmeg
.5 tsp. ginger
1/2 c granulated sugar for rolling
Method:
1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl occasionally.
2. Once the butter is creamed, add the egg, molasses, and honey and mix until combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled, but this is ok! Don't worry!
3. With the mixer turned off, add all of your flour at once. Pulse the mixer several times to incorporate the flour into the molasses mixture, and to ensure that your kitchen doesn't become covered in flour!
4. Mix for about 30 seconds, or until the cookie dough comes together.
5. At this point, you may chill the dough for a few hours, or overnight if you wish. However, if you are like me and cannot possibly wait, it's ok to scoop your dough now!
6. To prepare the dough for baking, round a tablespoon-sized scoop of dough into a ball, and then roll in the granulated sugar. Placed on a greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart from the other cookies. There's no need to flatten the dough, they will spread perfectly!
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cookies appear cracked and set.
8. Enjoy the molasses goodness <3
Throw these puppies in the oven,
and sit back and relax as your kitchen becomes a spice-scented corner of heaven!
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[Where has Blayre been lately???]
It seems that I have done it yet again...
You know, that thing where you get really really wrapped up in your life, and then suddenly two months have passed?
Yeah, that was me.
I guess I do have something to show for it though. How about a new job? [Check.] That happened. And now all I do ALL DAY is decorate cakes!
Finally loving my job and enjoying the company of my coworkers is certainly something new for me. Plus, I'm learning a ton, and improving my skills every day. This experience is teaching me that I don't need to be working for a major hotel or a famous New York City restaurant to get valuable experience. I just need to surround myself with people who are passionate about the same things as me!
Speaking of cake decorating...
I finally got to enter a cake competition! I spent the week between my old and new jobs working hard on a Jim Shore-inspired cake for Winter Wonderland-themed competition.
I proved to myself that I could transform the vision in my head into a work of art.
Although I really didn't expect anything to come of my entry, I ended up placing in every category and winning best overall!
It was a fulfilling moment for sure :)
So now that life seems to be somewhat back on track, hopefully the blogging will follow...
Here's to my less hectic schedule, and all of the good food to come!
Blayre :)
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