Old Fashioned English Tea Cakes

Cool weather and rain in Tennessee hint that fall is quickly approaching. With the change of seasons, I think of cooking more when the house is not so hot. Making cookies again becomes an option. One of Jerry's favorites is his mother, Margaret's Old Fashioned English Tea Cakes. These are lovely, cake like cookies that are just right with a cup of tea or coffee.

Old Fashioned English Tea Cakes

1 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
2 Tbsp. buttermilk (or regular milk with a few drops of vinegar)
5 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

1. Cream the butter and then gradually add the sugar. Beat until creamy.

2. Add the eggs, one at a time as you continue beating.

3. Mix the milk and vanilla together.

4. Mix soda and sifted flour together, then add alternately with the milk and vanilla mixture.

5. Chill dough several hours, then roll out about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut with a 2 inch round cookie cutter. I have used seasonal cutters, also. Sprinkle tops with sugar or colored sprinkles.

6. Bake 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes.
(They should just be slightly brown around the edges when done.)

Aunt Elsie's Oatmeal Cookies

Today I thought I would share with you the best oatmeal cookie recipe in the world. It came to my mother from my Aunt Elsie Beasley. She is a wonderful cook. I remember the special birthday cakes she made us as kids. This recipe is just as good today as it was 60 years ago. The original recipe calls for Crisco, but I usually substitue butter or half Crisco and half butter. The Crisco makes a crispier cookie, but the butter is really good. Neither is trendy or considered healthy these days, but in a cookie for a really good dessert, it is a great taste.

Hint: If you do not own a silpat silcone mat to bake cookies on, it is well worth the investment. You will not burn your cookies as easily, they will not stick and you will not have to clean off the cookie sheet between batches. I have 2 and always use them when making cookies. They are also good for bisciuts or scones.You can get them online or in many stores.)

Oatmeal Cookies

1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar,packed
1 c. shortening (or butter)
2 eggs
2 Tbsp. water
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
3 c. oatmeal (Old Fashioned)
1/2 c. raisins (optional)
3/4 c. pecans, chopped (optional)

1. Mix the shortening until creamy.(I make these in my mixer.)

2. Add white and brown sugars, mix until creamy.

3. Add eggs, water and vanilla, mix well.

4. Mix flour, salt and soda together. Then add to the shortening mixture. Mix well.

5. Add oatmeal, raisins and nuts to the dough and mix well.

6. Use a teaspoon or cookie scoop to put cookies out a greased cookie sheet or a silpat mat with space for cookies to spread. Usually 12 to a sheet.

7. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.