My mother worried so about me when I was in high school. She said I had too many boyfriends and wondered if I would ever settle down? Well, I did, but it took many, many years and a few misguided choices. I didn't have the best role models for coupledom and in looking at my younger self I would say I couldn't find peace in commitment.
My longest relationship was with Dave, an amazing person. But my younger self wasn't ready for such a nice and committed person so my life continued to be scattered for years... until Russell.
But with Dave I did get a lesson in what I thought of as domestic bliss and a committed family. We had that of sorts in the Liston/Bock house, but it was anything but smooth. This IS about cookies, right?
Dave's folks were what I saw as perfect... the perfect Beaver Cleaver family. He used their example in how he conducted his life. His mom was an example I have carried in bits and pieces throughout my adult life. She introduced me to Hobnail Cookies, among other things, which I have continued to make since then...around 1969. She was SO domestic.
The Eves family had a passion for all things Sturbridge Village and this cookie recipe came from there. Enjoy!
HOBNAIL COOKIES
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Cream together the sugar and shortening
- Add beaten egg and vanilla
- Sift/stir together the dry ingredients
- Stir dry mixture into egg mixture a little at a time and blend well
- Fold in the raisins
- Form into small balls and dip one side into sugar before placing onto greased cookie sheet, 3 inches apart (or sheet with parchment paper)
- Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes
Makes 3 dozen
Addendum:
I married Russ and had a blissful marriage for 43 years. He and Dave had hints of the same qualities...does that mean I learned something all those years ago about being honest with my feelings? And a not so funny part of the story is that they both developed Parkinson's. Though Russ had MSA and Dave has LBD, both had PD; NOT a fun journey. I wish Dave peace and live every day now in grateful thanks to the man Russ was.