Hermits

Hermits Recipe from Persia - Delicious Cookies and Seasoned Dishes

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 12-15 cookies

Introduction

Hermits are a classic cookie that have been enjoyed for generations. These spiced cookies are filled with nuts and raisins, making them a delicious treat for any occasion.

History

Hermits are believed to have originated in New England in the 19th century. They were a popular treat among sailors and travelers due to their long shelf life. The name "hermits" is said to come from the fact that these cookies could be stored for long periods of time without spoiling.

Ingredients

0.5 cup margarine (1 stick)
0.67 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
dry sugar substitute equal to 0.25 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp nutmeg
0.25 tsp ginger
0.25 cup chopped english walnuts
0.25 cup raisins
0.25 cup water at room temperature

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, cream together margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and mix for 1 minute at medium speed, scraping down the bowl before and after adding eggs.
In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, dry sugar substitute, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, walnuts, and raisins until well blended.
Add the dry mixture along with water to the creamy mixture and mix at medium speed until well combined.
Drop dough by 1.5 tbsp onto cookie sheets that have been sprayed with PAM spray or lined with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are browned on the bottom.
Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different flavor.
Substitute the walnuts for pecans or almonds.
Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the margarine and brown sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a soft and chewy cookie.

- Be sure to mix the dry ingredients well to evenly distribute the spices and nuts throughout the dough.

- Do not overbake the cookies, as they will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Hermits are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the margarine and sugar together is essential for a soft and chewy cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

Margarine can be substituted with butter.

- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or chopped dates.

Make Ahead Tips

Hermits can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange hermits on a decorative plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Hermits pair well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store hermits in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of hermits contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of hermits contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of hermits contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of hermits contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hermits are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Hermits contain nuts and eggs.

Summary

Hermits are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Hermits are a classic cookie that are perfect for any occasion. With their warm spices and crunchy nuts, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for hermits tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. The pages were yellowed with age, and the ink was faded, but the ingredients and instructions were clear as day.

As I read over the recipe, memories flooded back to me of sitting in my great-grandmother's kitchen, watching her expertly mix and measure ingredients to create delicious treats like these hermits. She was a master in the kitchen, and I always admired her skill and creativity when it came to cooking and baking.

I knew I had to try my hand at making these hermits, not only to honor my great-grandmother's memory but also to continue the tradition of passing down cherished recipes through the generations. So, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, just as she had done so many years ago.

The recipe called for a mixture of flour, sugar, spices, and dried fruits, all of which I carefully measured out and combined in a large mixing bowl. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air as I stirred the ingredients together, creating a fragrant and enticing mixture that promised to yield delicious results.

Next, I added in the wet ingredients – eggs, butter, and milk – and mixed everything together until a thick, sticky dough formed. I then gently folded in a generous amount of chopped raisins and walnuts, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch to the dough.

With the dough ready, I portioned it out onto a baking sheet, shaping each piece into a rough rectangle before placing them in the oven to bake. The hermits were meant to be soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior, and I couldn't wait to see how they turned out.

As the hermits baked, the scent of warm spices and sweet fruits wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were finally done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack, eager to taste the fruits of my labor.

I took a bite of a freshly baked hermit and was instantly transported back to my great-grandmother's kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked treats always lingered in the air. The hermit was everything I had hoped for – soft and chewy, with bursts of sweetness from the raisins and a satisfying crunch from the walnuts.

I couldn't help but smile as I savored each bite, knowing that I had successfully recreated a cherished family recipe that had been passed down through the generations. My great-grandmother would have been proud to see me carrying on her legacy in the kitchen, honoring her memory with each delicious bite of these hermits.

And so, as I sat at the kitchen table, enjoying my homemade hermits and reminiscing about the past, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy of sharing beloved recipes with those I love. My great-grandmother's spirit lived on in every bite of those hermits, a reminder of the enduring power of tradition and the bond that food creates between generations.