Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Honey Cookies In Memory of Annie

In our lives we come across a million different personalities.  Some are incredible enough we carry the memory of their presence forever.  Today I would like to honor an incredible woman, Anna M. Hufford.  Anna is the grandmother of Wicked Chef #2 (Dave) and one of the most distinguished and incredible people I have met.  On Sunday, April 17th, 2011 Annie lost her short battle to a brain tumor but quickly gained her wings.

The first time I ever met Annie she told me the story of her and her husband, Walt, making honey cookies.  As she told the story, I knew this is a family I want to be part of someday.  I wish to have similar passion as her and Walt share.  She told us how she had Walt mix her cookies the day before and how exhausting the project was.  I had never heard of honey cookies before so I pictured the older couple mixing typical cookies and sitting down for a rest afterward.  Little did I know they were a very vibrant couple and the cookies were very difficult to mix.  I had never heard of 2 day cookies before!  In the brief time I knew Annie, I saw my original impression was not entirely wrong, her and Walt were incredible together and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.  Annie is truly loved by many; even her mere acquaintances were made to feel like close family.

Suggestions before starting:
Annie would make the cookies around Thanksgiving and hide them in the pressure cooker until Christmas.  Unfortunately, her kids were a little sneakier and she would only ever see half of the original cookies at Christmas.  The longer the cookies sit the softer they become.
Annie would usually use walnuts instead of almonds and currants are a necessity.
The dough is very thick due to the honey and is quite difficult to mix. When Walt was unavailable, Annie would recruit her grandchildren or strong neighbor kids to mix for her.

Honey Cookies courtesy of Anna M. Hufford


Ingredients
1 qt. honey
3 c brown sugar
1 lb raisins
1 lb currants
1/2 lb chopped almonds
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 qt sour cream
4 tsp soda
flour, enough for soft dough

Directions
  1. Boil honey and brown sugar together for a few minutes and cool.
  2. Separately, mix the rest of the rest ingredients into a soft dough.
  3. Add honey/sugar mixture and mix well.  Let stand overnight in fridge.  Roll to 1/2 inch, cut and bake in oven at 350.

Lets toast to Annie!

17 comments:

that1gamer2know said...

I'm not one for honey or currants but the story itself makes me want to make these. I'm already envisioning me and my husband in the kitchen on Saturday. I will let him mix and then we will bake on Sunday. What a wonderful memory and an even better tradition. Rather than be sad she is gone I love that your post focused on the joy of her being here. Tonight I will say a prayer to celebrate her life and send comfort to you and your family. Here's the Annie!!

Unknown said...

Linds-
Please pass my empathies on to Dave, and keep some for yourself.
~K

Unknown said...

Dropping by from Friday Blog Hop and am following you via GFC. I LOVE cookies made w/honey and will gladly make these for my kiddos and we will all toast your Anna!!! I hope you have a great weekend!
~Lisa from Homeschool Circus

Running, Loving, Living said...

I am a new follower from the blog hop!! Thanks for the recipe. Come visit me at www.runninglovingliving.com.

Neuffj said...

Following from that Friday Blog Hop. I would love a follow back. The Neuff

Meryl said...

Thanks for sharing the recipe and the warm memories.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear this! It is so tough losing the ones you love especially when it comes to grandmothers and grandfathers. They hold such a beautiful place in our hearts. Your dedication to her is lovely.

I had to giggle when I read about Annie hiding the cookies at Thanksgiving in the pressure cooker until Christmas. Nice try, the kids will always find them. What wonderful memories I know Dave has of her.

Please accept my condolences.

Vickie

Posh said...

Hi there!
Stopping by from the Friday hop to say hello and to follow.
Have a great day!
http://poshonabudget.com/2011/04/peeps-or-bunnies.html

Mary @ Redo101 said...

I'm a new blogger, visiting from Smart and Trendy Mom's linky party - nice to meet you. It was also nice to get to know your grandmother, she sounds like a great one. I "followed" your blog and would love a follow back - thanks!

The Teachers Wife said...

I'm following you from the blog hop! Would love to have you visit at www.survivingateacherssalary.com
Have a happy Easter!

Eat and Write said...

New follower! I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for your (and Dave's) loss. It's amazing to me how something as simple as food can create such long-lasting memories, memories that are a comfort for the people who remain here.

Unknown said...

Hi Lindsay, Just checking in you guys. You and your family are in our hearts and minds.

Take care

Vickie

Shawna said...

Your newest follower from Follow Me Back Tuesday (Blog Hop). Please stop by my blog & follow me back when u have time. Thanks! http://mommywholovesgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Stopping by to say Happy Tuesday from the Blog Hop, your Provolone Burgers look like something I would cook.
Aprils Life Style Show

April

NANCY said...

Hello!! I'm following you from the Follow Me Back Tuesday bloghop. I hope you're having a fantastic day!!

Nancy

I'm hoping you'll follow me back at http://thatsoundslikecrazy.blogspot.com

Angela said...

These sound yummy and what a great story to go with them! I'm a new follower http://angela-mommytimeout.blogspot.com

Social Media Junkie said...

Hi Linds and Dave,
I'm your newest follower from Follow Me Back Tuesday.
I'm sorry for your loss, Annie sounds like a wonderful women and her Honey Cookies sound delicious. :)

Have a great day,
Stacy