Comfort Cookies

Dan and I drove out to the woods this morning and it was beautiful. Not much snow, but heavy frost which made every pine needle, every branch, every weed a thing of grace and beauty. The sun was out and it was as if the world was created out of diamonds. My sweetie is a total woods man. He has spent many, many years working in and caring for his beloved woods. I love the woods, too, but not like he does. "See those dying trees? Grand fir. The soil isn't good for them." And when I pointed out an adorable little tree by the side of the road, he said, "Spruce." The man knows his trees. I think adorable, he thinks species. :-)

When we got home it was noon and we grabbed some lunch and then I noticed our empty cookie jar. And beside it a basket of fruit which included one and a half bananas which were past their prime. Hmmm, memories of an old family recipe came to mind so I hunted it up, pulled my trusty Kitchenaid over, and began. The recipe is from my aunt, my dad's older sister, Betty Jane. When I was growing up, she was one of my most favorite people. If I came home from school and found her at our house, it was like chancing upon a wonderful party. She was fun. When I was in high school, I was at her house one afternoon and she was making these cookies. When I left, I had the recipe. They are comfort cookies--soft inside, with a crispy exterior. Perfect on a winter's day with tea. Here's the recipe.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup mashed banana
1 egg
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp salt
2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup nuts (I used pecans)

Cream shortening and sugar. Add bananas and egg and mix. Add dry ingredients, then oatmeal. Add nuts. Drop on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 for 12-15 minutes. Makes 3 1/2 dozen.


And yes, that's a Christmas towel beside them. Or, let's just say it's a red plaid towel with a woodsy tree on it. ;-) (A Mary Mulari machine applique design.)