Working in a school gives you the chance to meet all sorts of kids. Some you don't remember, because while they are nice children, they don't stand out. Some stand out for the wrong reasons. Others you just remember because they are bright little souls that despite difficulties they have had to face, their spirits shine so bright it's hard to miss. Angie was one of those kids. Besides her strikingly blue, long lashed eyes, she was one of those kids that had my heart in the first five minutes I knew her.
Angie's Mom used to bake me cookies. Every Christmas, long weekend, and finally at the end of the school year, spicy, sweet ginger cookies rolled in sugar and lovingly packed in a pretty basket always made me feel special and appreciated. To this day, I can't eat a ginger cookie without warmly thinking of Angie, and I have taken a cue from her Mom and bake these cookies for Kevin's teachers as well.
2 1/4 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp water
1/4 cup molasses
Pre-heat the oven to 350. Sift flour, baking soda, spices, and salt together in a bowl. Set aside. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, and then water and molasses. Add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Shape into balls, roll each in sugar and place on cookie sheet about 2 inches apart, flattening slightly.
Bake 8-10 minutes
I believe it makes about 3 dozen, maybe more. This dough also freezes very well. Thaw before rolling into balls, coating with sugar, and baking.
