Fallinter

You know, like we were enjoying Fall and we were choosing our pumpkins and picking apples, considering that it was probably about time to unpack our winter boots and gloves, and start getting the wood into the woodshed. And then we got 16 inches of snow overnight on October 30th and it was suddenly winter. Fallinter.

I didn't even get my bulbs into the ground! In my memory I don't recall seeing snow before Halloween. All I can say is thank goodness my husband found a deal on a snowblower a few months ago.

So I'm planning on enjoying a snowy Sunday at home. Puttering around the house and doing some baking. A classic apple pie is on the horizon, as well as my stepson's favorite winter (or Fallinter) cookie. I use an Ina Garten recipe that can't be beat. Try it, you'll like it.

Ina's Ultimate Ginger Cookie

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
1 extra-large egg, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups chopped crystallized ginger (6 ounces)
Granulated sugar, for rolling the cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt and then combine the mixture with your hands. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the brown sugar, oil, and molasses on medium speed for 5 minutes. Turn the mixer to low speed, add the egg, and beat for 1 minute. Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula and beat for 1 more minute. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the crystallized ginger and mix until combined.

Scoop the dough with 2 spoons or a small ice cream scoop. With your hands, roll each cookie into a 1 3/4-inch ball and then flatten them lightly with your fingers. Press both sides of each cookie in granulated sugar and place them on the sheet pans. Bake for exactly 13 minutes. The cookies will be crackled on the top and soft inside. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely