Hermits

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Reader Stacie Wheeler writes, "I heard this story from a friend of
mine, and I just had to share it."

At the data-entry company where I work, the other operators and
I share a coffeepot. One morning I took it into the ladies room to fill
it with water. Then I began preening in the mirror, brushing my hair
and reapplying some makeup. I didn't realize how long I'd been until
someone slid a note under the door which said: "You win," it read.
"Any ransom demand will be met. Just release the coffeepot."

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            TODAY'S RECIPE
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The reason behind the name of these chewy little cookies is lost
to the ages, but they remain an old-fashioned favorite, especially
here in the South.

Hermits

2 cups (500 ml) brown sugar
1 cup (250 ml) butter or vegetable shortening
2 eggs
1/2 cup (125 ml) cold coffee
3 1/2 cups (875 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 tsp (5 ml) ground nutmeg
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
2 1/2 cups (625 ml) raisins
1 cup (250 ml) chopped walnuts, pecans, or nuts
of your choice

Beat the sugar, butter, and eggs until thoroughly combined. Stir in
the coffee. Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices together and
stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the raisins and nuts and chill in
the refrigerator for 1 hour. Drop by teaspoonfuls about 2 inches (5 ml)
apart on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400F
(200C) oven just until set, 8 to 10 minutes. Makes about 6 dozen.
Received on Wed Dec 7 06:09:47 2005