Back in 1989, the Berlin Wall came down, but my strongest memories are associated with the next day. I arrived at school and realized that my friends shared the same hopes and dreams. In that afternoon’s German class, we all hoped that we would be discussing the fall of the wall, rather than conjugating verbs. Sadly, upon arrival to class, our hopes and dreams were dashed, as the regularly scheduled lesson proceeded as planned. The entire global political balance had shifted with the end of the Cold War and we were destined to spend the day learning the gender associations of various nouns. The world outside had forever changed, but Battle Creek Central High School marched on.
Battle Creek Central High School, where the students first demanded and later Reagan repeated, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
In order to celebrate this anniversary, I bring to you a cookie of sweet harmony, as two sides of the same sugary coin meet. Brown Sugar and Gumdrops unite, much the same way that East Germany and West Germany were unified so long ago.
Colorful gumdrops peeking through brown sugar goodness.
This cookie fails to provide the visually stunning impact normally associated with a cookie that has jewel in its name, but its flavor does not disappoint. Rich brown sugar and flavorful gumdrops dance together in a rich celebration of sweet oneness. Enjoy.
JEWELED GUMDROP COOKIES
1 cup Shortening
2 cups Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
½ cup Buttermilk
3½ cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Salt
3 cups Gumdrops
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Using a kitchen shears, snip the gumdrops in half.
Cream shortening and brown sugar.
Mix in eggs and buttermilk. Set aside.
Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually, mix “flour mixture” into “buttermilk mixture.”
Stir in the snipped gumdrops.
Drop tablespoons of dough onto parchment paper lined baking sheets.
Bake for 8 minutes or until only light indentation remains when touched.
Makes about 36 cookies.
Revised Source: Betty Crocker’s “Cooky Book” from 1963, “Jeweled Cookies.”