Frau Schmidt's Molasses Snaps Recipe

Recipe for Frau Schmidt's Molasses Snaps:

History and Fun Facts:
Frau Schmidt's Molasses Snaps are a classic treat that originated in German households. The recipe was brought to the United States by German immigrants in the late 19th century, and it quickly gained popularity for its delicious taste and affordable ingredients. These small cakes were often baked during the holiday season and enjoyed by families across America. Today, they continue to be a beloved traditional treat, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of New Orleans molasses
- 1 cup of lard
- 1 tablespoonful of ginger
- 1 teaspoonful of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoonful of cloves
- 1/2 a grated nutmeg
- 1 tablespoonful of saleratus dissolved in a small quantity of hot water
- Enough flour to form a very stiff dough

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the New Orleans molasses and lard. Mix them together until well combined.

2. Add the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, grated nutmeg, and dissolved saleratus to the molasses and lard mixture. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.

3. Gradually add enough flour to the mixture to form a very stiff dough. It is important to add the flour gradually to achieve the desired consistency. The dough should be easy to handle and not too sticky.

4. Cover the dough and let it stand aside until the following day. This resting period allows the flavors to develop and results in a richer taste.

5. Preheat your oven to a hot temperature. Around 375°F (190°C) should work well.

6. On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough very thin using a rolling pin. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before rolling to prevent the dough from becoming dry.

7. Using a small round cake cutter, cut out the dough into desired shapes. If you don't have a round cake cutter, you can use a small glass or even shape the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork.

8. Place the cut-out dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.

9. Bake the Molasses Snaps in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can brown quickly.

10. Once baked, remove the Molasses Snaps from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. As they cool, they will become even crispier.

11. Once completely cooled, store the Molasses Snaps in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They will stay delicious for several days.

Enjoy these Frau Schmidt's Molasses Snaps as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or share them with friends and family during special occasions. Their warm and comforting flavors will surely bring joy to everyone who tastes them.

You may also like similar recipe dishes such as gingerbread cookies, spiced molasses cookies, or even traditional German Lebkuchen. These treats all have a similar blend of warm spices and delightful sweetness, making them perfect for the holiday season or whenever you're craving a comforting treat.

Happy baking!