There’s something so delightful about the smell of freshly baked goods filling up the house, isn’t there? That’s one of the many reasons I absolutely love baking, and today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s close to my heart – Apple Hermits. These moist, spiced cookies, loaded with the goodness of apples, raisins, and nuts, are an absolute treat for the taste buds. Originating from New England, Apple Hermits have a rich history dating back to the 19th century. They were named ‘hermits’ not because of any reclusive tendencies, but because these cookies, like hermits, improve with age! Over time, the spices blend together and the flavors deepen, making them taste even better a few days after baking. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the preparation is straightforward. Plus, you can customize it according to your preference. Want to add a hint of citrus? Add some orange zest. Prefer it less sweet? Reduce the sugar. It’s all up to you. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake some delicious Apple Hermits!
Ingredients
- 1 c. seedless raisins
- 1 c. shortening
- 1 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1/4 c. molasses
- 3 eggs
- 3 1/2 c. plain flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 3 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1 c. finely chopped, peeled apple
- 1 c. chopped nuts
Baking Instructions
- Put raisins in a bowl of hot water to plump, then drain. Cream shortening and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add molasses and blend in well.
Calorie: 200
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
The Great Apple Hermits Cooking Saga
There’s a time in everyone’s life when they feel an intense call to the wild. No, not the ‘pack-your-bags-and-hit-the-trail’ kind of wild. I’m talking about the ‘roll-up-your-sleeves-and-turn-on-the-oven’ kind of wild. Today, I answered that call. Armed with my sense of humor, a pair of oven mitts, and a recipe card smudged with years of use, I braved the culinary wilderness to make Apple Hermits.
The Raisin Redemption
It all started with 1 c. of seedless raisins, lounging around in a bowl of hot water. They had the life, those raisins, basking in their little hot tub. After they’d had their fill of ‘raisin spa time’, I drained them, hoping they were now plump enough to fulfill their culinary destiny.
Shortening and Sugar: A Love Story
Next up were 1 c. of shortening and 1 1/2 c. of brown sugar. Marrying these two together until they were fluffy was like playing cupid in my very own kitchen rom-com. The added 1/4 c. of molasses made it a love triangle but they seemed to blend well together. No kitchen drama today!
The Spice Route
This is where the story heats up. The next step was to introduce 3 eggs into the mix and beat them in with a fervor that would put a marching band to shame. Then came the 3 1/2 c. of plain flour, 1/2 tsp. of salt, 1 tsp. of baking soda, 3 tsp. of ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp. of ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp. of ground nutmeg. I had to be careful here; one wrong move and I’d be breathing spices for a week.
Apple and Nut: The Surprise Guests
Just when I thought I was done, in came 1 c. of finely chopped, peeled apple and 1 c. of chopped nuts, strutting in like they owned the place. Into the mix they went, adding a crunch that threatened to steal the show.
The Oven Showdown
With all the players in place, it was time for the showdown in the oven. I’ll be honest, I held my breath as I slid the tray in. Would they rise? Would they burn? Only time would tell.
The Sweet Taste of Success
And there they were, my Apple Hermits, golden and fragrant, a testament to my journey through the culinary wilds. As I took a bite, I knew it was worth it. The flavors danced on my tongue, a sweet symphony of success.
So, there you have it, folks. The tale of one woman, a smudged recipe card, and a batch of Apple Hermits that would make any hermit come out of hiding. Until next time, keep your aprons tied and your oven mitts close. You never know when the call to the wild will come for you.
