The
oatmeal cookies in Aunt
Dimity's Death are the oatmeal cookies my mother made when
I was a child. When I make them now, they evoke loving memories of the
laughter that warmed my mother's kitchen on cold winter days.
I knew that the same would hold true for Lori Shepherd. The cookies would not only evoke childhood memories, but also illustrate the strong bond between Lori and her mother, as well as reveal something special about Aunt Dimity's mysterious friendship with Beth Shepherd. Hence, Beth's Oatmeal Cookies became an organic, intrinsic part of Lori's story. They taste pretty good, too.
Beth's Oatmeal
Cookies
Preheat
oven to 350 degrees. Makes approx. 6 dozen cookies.
1
cup butter (or margarine)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 jumbo eggs
5 tablespoons raisin water (see below)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raisins
2 cups water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
In
small saucepan, combine raisins with water and bring to boil; lower heat
and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. When cool, reserve
5 tablespoons raisin water, then drain raising in colander.
In
large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and raisin water
and mix well. Blend dry ingredients into creamed mixture. Add nuts, if
desired. Add raisins and combine well.
Drop
by heaping teaspoonsful, 2 inches apart, onto greased baking sheets. Bake
10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and firm on top when touched with
your finger. Cool on wire racks.
Reprinted from AUNT DIMITY'S DEATH by Nancy Atherton by permission of Penguin Books, a member of Penguin Putnam Inc. Copyright 1992 by Nancy T. Atherton. All rights reserved. This excerpt, or any parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.