Is there someone special who made delicious cookies and comes to mind when you think of homemade baking, a homey kitchen, treats when you visit?

My Cookie Lady, about whom I've written a poem, was my aunt, my mother's sister who remains in my memory when I think of delicious meals, homemade bread, and tasty cookies. I also have her recipe book where I've found many of those foods of childhood.

Her cookie recipes include some she acquired from friends and relatives, others going back to former generations, and those she simply liked to make. Some of these recipes my mother baked in my childhood and I've prepared for my family.

Who is Your Cookie Lady?

For some youngsters, Cookie Ladies are Mom or Grandmother. For others it's a neighbor or a friend's mother. She may even be the lady at the bakery who gives out free cookies to children who stop by.

Do thoughts of your Cookie Lady evoke memories of recipes of childhood, a special occasion or holiday, a particular gift, or a fun time?

Other Cookie Ladies of Childhood

Another Cookie Lady might be my girlfriend's mother, the 4-H leader who taught our cooking classes. From her we learned to make biscuit, muffins, cakes and cookies. What fun we had at her home learning the rudiments of cooking correctly...and sampling our results.

Cookie Lady Sketch

I realized that it did indeed bear some resemblance to my aunt. Requests for copies of the illustration resulted in my making enlarged posters and including her in my coloring book, too.

Cookie Lady Recipes

Sift together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/ 3/4 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon allspice. Some cooks like to add 1/2 teaspoon ginger. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture, stirring well.

Drop by teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 10-12 minutes.

(C) 2003 Mary Emma Allen

To see more on The Cookie Lady and another recipe Click Here