Barking Dog Farm

There are a few weeks left before Christmas, and just as importantly, the Winter Solstice. As the days darken earlier and earlier, I am baking to keep my mind and soul energized- last weekend I made 12 loaves of bread, today I am for the first time staring a seed culture so I can get into the leavened breads that I have always loved. I have also found inspiration by asking my friends to tell me about their favorite  holiday baked items. I aspire to deliver these morsels, at least visually, to the folks who claim these food traditions as their own.

I grew up in a suburb of New York City, where I could run about freely and my dogs could too. My best friend Liz lived several houses away, so we constantly flowed back and forth from each other’s home. When I asked for favored baked items she emailed me an intriguing recipe for “Frosted Creams.”  The recipe is for a WWII era cookie her grandmother used to make, and to quote my dear Liz:

It’s a molasses cookie, with a ton of walnuts and raisins and allspice, ginger, etc. Finished with a lemon icing. It’s the best of cake, quick bread, and a cookie; all in one.

I just made the cookie, and it is just as she described it, it seems so old-world, hearty, not sickly sweet. I am so grateful she shared this with me, not only because its yummy and unique, but also because there is a treasure trove of old recipes out there that need to be made into the delightful treats they describe. Lets spread our food heritage around, crack open that dusty old recipe box and relive your childhood!

Looking at the handwriting of my grandmother, my mother, and my young self is so touching. Those women are gone from my life now, but I feel them with me when I see words written in their own hand, the cards stained from their own messes. Perhaps the reason why we gather around the holiday table year after year eating the same menu is to commune with those who are no longer with us: its a sort of food seance!

Check back soon for more recipes! And please let me know what you love to eat or make thats baked!

Tags: Baking, childhood memories, family, heritage recipes, holiday, homestead, recipes