Worth the Effort Cookies

I know I've featured these cookies before, perhaps a couple of years ago.  I remember saying what a royal pain they were to make.  The same is true.  What is also true is that my hospice patient happened to mention how she is craving "the cookies my grandmother used to make" and went on to describe these exact cookies.

While the Children's Miracle Network may focus on extravagant dreams and lofty bucket lists, I'm noticing that in terminally ill adults, the further they get to exploring the place after this, the more their senses are heightened and cravings for particular smells, tastes and memories of their years here on earth come to the surface.

I thought that just maybe, I could take the recipe that Jahred's great-grandmother left behind and bring my patient something yummy and nostalgic when I see her tomorrow.

For the rest of you, I will give you this recipe.  Of course I don't have permission to do so, and if I'm breaking my in-laws "secret family recipe code" I'll pay the price later.  However I gotta believe that every woman would relish her reputation be attached to a recipe that is notoriously rich and timeless.

Frosted Molasses Ginger Cookies
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1 cup shortening (this is the ONLY recipe where I actually use shortening)
1/2 cup molasses
3 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
4 1/2 cups flour (I only use 4)

Combine and mix well.  Roll out or use a cookie scoop.  If using a cookie scoop, press down in center to flatten slightly.
Bake at 325 for 7-10 minutes (I like my cookies slightly under-baked and 7 is perfect).

Gelatin Frosting
1 envelope Knox gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
Combine the two above, letting the gelatin dissolve in a large mixer bowl (or the bowl for your electric mixer if you have one.)  Let sit on counter while you cook the remaining ingredients.
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
1 dash salt
Cook the three ingredients above to thread stage (230-235 degrees).  Pour over gelatin mixer.  Using a hand or electric mixer, beat the tar our of this mixture until it is spreading consistency.  It will take some time.  20 minutes isn't out of the question.  If the humidity is high, it may never work (be warned).

That is the recipe!  Below you can see how mine turned out.  I'm working on animated images...this one's a bit wild.  I can't get it to slow down.  Some sort of glitch in Photoshop where I can't set the delay.  Hmmm.

** Update.  I wrote this yesterday and brought the cookies to my friend today.  Turns out I'm about 1 day too late for cookies.  She did recognize that I was there, but hasn't the strength left to taste them.  I'm a little sad that I'll never know if they taste like her grandmothers, but certainly don't regret putting in the effort.  It's always the thought that counts.