The Grandma Cookie Jar

By -


Dave's Grandma Evelyn was an amazing baker.  When Dave and I were first dating he took me by Grandma & Grandpa's to introduce me.  The first thing he did after a quick "hello" was take me to the kitchen to show me Grandma's cookie jar.  It wasn't a particularly fancy container, in fact, it was a large tin can that she had made a cover for with plastic canvas.  The special thing about Grandma's cookie jar though, was that it ALWAYS held cookies!  She was always ready for grandchildren to visit.  Most of the time she'd have bags of chocolate chip cookies in the freezer so if company came unexpectedly she could thaw them quickly and fill her cookie jar.  That first time we visited I was appalled to see my future husband take a large handful of cookies to eat as we left!  I came to find Grandma expected him to enjoy her cookies like that.  She made those cookies with love and they were eaten with love in return.

 

 There was a plaque on Grandma's wall that read:

 Some Grandma's ride in limousines,
Wear fine clothes and pretty rings,
But my Grandma's best by far,
Because she has a cookie jar!

 Apologies to whomever gave her that plaque, but it now hangs on the wall in my home. :)  Dave claims ownership due to the quantity of cookies he ate growing up.


 I've wanted for years to be the cookie Gramma.   Dave knew I'd been watching for the perfect Gramma Cookie Jar and he found one for me for Christmas this year!  Today I filled it to the brim for the first time!  (I've baked cookies other times, but as I still have 4 of my own children at home the cookies disappear faster than I can fill the jar!)  Luckily I have 2 grandchildren visiting today so I can claim Cookie Gramma status.  

Grandma McKinnon usually baked her special Chocolate Chip Cookies.  I love her recipe and my daughter Audra has posted it on the blog HERE.  However, today I used some frozen cookie dough pucks from Alison's Pantry.  They are Cookie Tree brand and they are really good!  They're large and stay so soft.  I love being able to bake just as many as I need whether that's 12 for lunches tomorrow or 45 to fill the cookie jar.

 When I was a little girl I remember my own Grandma Bolander having cookies in a drawer in her kitchen.  Hers were always from the store.  Usually Pecan Sandies or Wafer Cookies.  I loved getting permission to get a cookie out of the drawer to take outside and eat.  My Mom now has a cookie drawer and Wesley is forever getting cookies when he goes to visit.

 Interesting how a jar of cookies helps me feel so connected to special grandmothers in my past.  Ready to carry on the tradition!  Gramma Joy - Cookie Gramma! 




Comments

  1. RachelMarch 9, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    Well now I want cookies too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beloved's Redheaded BrideMarch 12, 2013 at 7:06 PM

    Awww! A sweet treat and a sweet story. My favorite memories was of my Grandpa always stealing all our grandkids cookies out of my grandma's cookie jar! Pricelss treasured memories!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AudraMarch 30, 2013 at 6:16 AM

    I loved Great Grandma's cookie jar! That seemed to be important to her too because I remember her being mostly blind, but still having cookies baked and in her cookie jar.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Darlene BrownFebruary 3, 2014 at 8:13 AM

    I love the saying on the Plaque. Can I steal it and use it for my craft signs???? I love that it is handwritten. I can scan handwriting in and then program it in CorelDraw so it will engrave on my Laser.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Joyfulmom8February 3, 2014 at 9:43 PM

    You bet Darlene! I've always loved that little sign - and her chocolate chip cookies. :) Love the work you've been doing with your laser - very creative!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes

By -
Image
The other day I needed a dinner that I could make ahead and leave in the oven.  I combined a couple of recipes to come up with this.  It was a hit with our entire family. I like to buy full boneless pork loins at Sam's Club and then cut them into chops or leave the size we need for a roast.  The price is usually cheapest that way and I'm all about cutting our food budget.  I keep everything in this recipe on hand (aside from the French's Fried Onions) so it is something I could throw together  spur of the moment. Creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes 6-8 pork loin chops (boneless or bone-in) 6 LARGE  russet potatoes , peeled and sliced 2 10 oz. cans condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk 3/4 C. water 3 T. onion soup base (1 package of Lipton onion soup is a little over 2 T. so just use that if you'd rather not have a package open.  I buy mine in bulk so it's easier for measuring) 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. salt French's fried onions
Read more

Brown Rice, Broccoli and Chicken Bake

By -
Image
My family doesn't generally love brown rice.  They really enjoyed it in this dish though.  I started out to do a skillet dinner, but I took a little time to put it all in a pan and melt the cheese in the oven.  Next time I'm going to try just mixing it in and letting it melt in the skillet rather than sprinkling it on top. This was a tasty dinner and full of healthy ingredients.   My family requested it again! Brown Rice and Broccoli with Chicken 1 1/2 C. brown rice 3 1/4 C.chicken broth or water with 3 tsp. chicken boullion  Place in medium pan, bring to a boil and cook for 40 minutes.  Remove from heat. While the rice is cooking, saute the following in 1 T. of olive oil: 2 chicken breast, diced 1 C. onion, diced 1 C. mushrooms, sliced 2 C. broccoli florets (fresh or frozen is fine) When the rice is done, place it on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan .  Spread chicken and vegetables over rice.  Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of water or chicken broth ove
Read more

Molasses Oatmeal Bread

By -
Image
Molasses Oatmeal Bread is a hearty (and heart healthy!) bread that is easy and delicious!  We love it toasted and spread with homemade jam.  So good!  Molasses adds a rich flavor and beautiful color. Molasses Oatmeal Bread 2 T. instant dry yeast (my favorite brand is SAF) 1/2 C. warm water Dissolve yeast in water and set aside In large bowl (or mixer bowl if you have one that will do bread), put: 2 C. quick rolled oats 2 T. oil 2 C. boiling water Stir and let sit about 10 minutes or until lukewarm.   Stir dissolved yeast, 1/2 C. molasses, and 4 tsp. salt into the oatmeal mixture.   Add about 3 cups of flour and mix well.  Stir in 2-3 cups more flour until you have a firm dough that you can knead.  Knead 5 minutes by hand or with mixer.  Place in a greased bowl, being sure to grease the top as well.   Cover and let rise until double.  About 45 minutes to an hour depending on how warm your room is. Punch down dough.  Divide into 2 pieces.  Grease 2 loaf pan
Read more