It dawned on me a few days ago that I can no longer remember my mom's voice. As I type this I am trying not to cry. I loved my mom so much and no matter what anyone says, you will always miss your mom. On August 21 of this year, she will have been gone for 5 years. It seems like only yesterday. I lay in bed at night straining to remember what her voice sounded like. I can see her in my mind, but I can't hear her anymore. I never thought that would happen.
So, I realized this when I was a thinking about her oatmeal raisin cookies. They were one of my favorite as a child and as 20something. For years I thought I had her recipe. I tried it a couple of times and it just didn't seem the same. Well, I went searching the recipe box my mom made me when I moved out of my parents home 30 years ago and low and behold the recipe I thought was my mom's was written in my handwriting. My mom hand typed all the recipes on 3x5 cards and put who she got the recipe from. (Moms - this is such an awesome gift for your kids - I love this box. It holds the history of what my family used to cook - both sides of the family, and my mom). She put all my favorite recipes in there along with family recipes and ones that she liked. I treasure this box.
Anyway, back to the cookies. So, last night as I laid in bed trying to remember her voice, I realized I did have a couple of her cookbooks. So, first thing this morning, I got up and went in search of the books. I really didn't think I'd have much luck finding the recipe. As a child, I don't remember seeing my mom use any book to make her cookies, so what are the odds??? The first book I pulled out was one I had never seen her even open. In fact, I didn't know she even had it. I didn't go thru the index, but I went to the cookie section. Going page by page, I looked at each recipe. On one page was a recipe. I stared at it and wondered. I went thru the rest of the cookie section and then went back to that one recipe. It was so simple, just a little reminder for herself. A simple "x" by the title of recipe in pencil. The recipe wasn't called Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. It was called Spiced Oat Drops. So, I have made the cookies up and can I say, the memories are wonderful!
Here's to you Mom. I love you and miss you, but you left me a surprise in a book. Thank you.
Mom's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies or Spiced Oat Drops
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp soda***
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
2/3 c. sour milk***
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. raisins or chopped dates
1 c. chopped nuts
Cream shortening and sugar together. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Sift dry ingredients together and add alternately with milk to the creamed mixture. Add oats, frut and nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 min.
**Omit if you want to use "sweet milk" (regular milk)
