Easter week has come and gone. Easter is a time when Christian religions celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his torture, and death, at the hands of the Romans. It is also a time when children, with baskets, run around backyards, fields and playgrounds seeking chocolate bunnies and colorful eggs to fill those baskets. The bunnies and eggs are, in reality, Pagan symbols of fertility that have been incorporated into Easter traditions; and I suspect, nine months from now there will be bundles of joy born to many a couple. “Why?”, you might ask.
As I gaze out the window, I cannot help but laugh, as Mother Nature has decided to trick us all. It may well be April, a month in the season of spring, but covering the ground is not springtime flowers, but snow! That is correct, a few inches of snow have fallen, making our little section of the world look more like a winter wonderland. One could even imagine that it is Christmas time again, which is a perfect lead in to the novel I have just finished.
Ghostly Claus, of the Ghostly series, #4, by E.M. Leya, features main characters Lance and Angus, and a slew of quirky ghosts. It is December, Christmas almost upon them, when a devastating event occurs; someone has murdered (insert shocked gasps), Santa Claus! The ghost of the man, who was portraying Mr. Claus for years, and actually obsessed anything related to Santa Claus all year long, shows up at the morgue demanding justice for his death.
If you remember, in the November 24, 2024 issue of the San Juan Record, I introduced you all to this series by E.M. Leya, a Utah resident, and Lemonade Chicken which appears in the first novel. Lemonade Chicken is once again mentioned, as Lance’s brother, visiting while on leave from his tour of duty in Afghanistan, loves this meal. Celeste, the ghost of the tv chef, who taught Lance how to make the chicken dish, also teaches him how to make Cinnamon Drop Cookies.
Like myself, many of you probably create many cookie types for the winter holidays, but this type of cookie was new to me. Drop cookies? Not a term I was familiar with. What are drop cookies? ``Drop cookies'' refer to cookies that are made by dropping the dough onto baking sheets, as opposed to rolling it out and cutting it into shapes. Since drop cookies skip the time-consuming steps of rolling and cutting, they are typically much quicker and easier than regular ``cut'' cookies. Oooooh, drop cookies are scooped cookies, I get it now.
The cinnamon drop cookies are similar to spice cookies, but the only spice used is, of course, cinnamon. The dough, when first made, has a very stiff and sticky texture, much like gingerbread. After chilling though, it becomes softer and more pliable for easier scooping. An ice cream scoop makes the dough into balls, so no manipulating by the hands; and they spread out during the baking process. In the center of each cookie, a small cinnamon candy can be added, they are optional of course, or another type of candy (cinnamon chips or miniature M&Ms) can be used instead. The candies are typically more available for the holidays of Christmas or Valentine’s, but can be purchased in the candy section under the name, “Red Hots”, manufactured by the Ferrara Candy Company. Oh, oh, and now you will know I have quite a wicked mind, but place two cookies side by side, and I swear, they look like a pair of “titties”. (insert raucous laugh track)
When making these cookies, please remember to sift all the dry ingredients together; otherwise, the baking powder could gather, into lumps, inside the dough, and cause bitter spots in some of the cookies. Talking from experience here.
Cinnamon has many health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels; lowering blood sugar and blood pressure numbers; improve cognitive function and overall digestive health. These cookies, even with using two tablespoons of cinnamon, are not overly spicy in flavor; and who knows, you might want to add more!
Oh, remember that ridiculous “cinnamon eating challenge” a few years ago? Yes, do NOT do this as ingesting raw cinnamon by mouth can cause one to gag, cough, choke, and have a burning sensation in the mouth, nose, and throat. If inhaled while choking or gagging on it, it can cause inflammation in the lungs, a thickening of lung tissue, and scarring. Just because bored folks try idiotic challenges on Youtube or TikTok, does not mean you have to follow all the lemmings off the cliff edge too.
So, hoping your Easter was magical, even with the snow, and try out some cinnamon drop cookies for a tasty treat. Heh, maybe warm some up, with ice cream on the side, oh my!
Cinnamon Drop Cookies
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
4 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus ¼ cup for higher altitudes)
cinnamon candies
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350F, place parchment paper on baking sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar with a mixer until frothy looking. Add eggs and vanilla to butter mixture; mix until smooth.
In a large bowl, sift together baking powder, cinnamon and flour. Add half to the butter mixture, mix together; add second half of dry ingredients and mix until all incorporated together.
Makes 5 and ½ dozen cookies.
Mary Cokenour
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