Recipe: Monkey-Faced Cookies - 166 year old recipe

MONKEY-FACED COOKIES - 166 YEAR OLD RECIPE

The 1951 Gold Medal flour ad states this cookie recipe is 107 years old.

1/2 cup soft shortening
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sour milk
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
raisins

Mix together thoroughly the soft shortening, brown sugar and molasses. Stir in the sour milk and vinegar.

Sift together and stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ginger and cinnamon.

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 1/2-inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Place 3 raisins on each cookie for eyes and mouth.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes in a quick moderate oven (375 degrees F), until set. Allow to remain on cookie sheet 1 minute before removing.

Makes about 48 (2-1/2 inch) cookies.