Snappy Delivery

I've been trying out some new cookie recipes lately, but the latest ones I've made are something of a blast from the past... specifically, Juli's past.  While she was growing up, there was a lady who lived in her neighborhood named Mrs. Kelly.  She was known for beautiful lilacs and for her cookies.   The recipe for Ginger Snaps below is one of hers. 

Juli has made these delicious cookies many times, but this is the first time I've made them.  It wasn't hard.  You might say this recipe is... a snap.

Okay, the joke isn't a good one, but the cookies are very, very good.  But don't take my word for it.  Make some and see for yourself.

Mrs. Kelly's Tasty Ginger Snaps

yield = approx. 9 dozen cookies

2     cups sugar (plus 1/2 cup for coating the dough balls)
1/2  cup molasses
1/2  cup butter-flavored shortening
2     eggs
4     cups all-purpose flour
4     teaspoons baking soda
2     teaspoons cinnamon
1/2  teaspoons ground cloves
2     teaspoons ground ginger
1/2  teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Use mixer to combine shortening, sugar, molasses and eggs until creamy.   Add the other ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.  Roll dough into 1" diameter balls, then roll them in sugar.  Arrange dough balls on baking sheets in three rolls of four.  Bake each sheet of cookies for 10-11 minutes.