Hermits IV

Hermits IV Recipe - Delicious Cookies and Savory Dishes

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Hermits IV is a classic cookie recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. These delicious treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a party or simply craving a sweet snack. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, hermits are sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

Hermits are a traditional New England cookie that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally made with molasses, spices, and dried fruits, hermits were a popular treat among sailors and travelers due to their long shelf life. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include ingredients like butter, sugar, and baking powder, resulting in a softer and more cake-like texture.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
0.75 cup sugar
0.75 cup butter
2 beaten eggs
3 tsp milk
3 tsp baking powder
0.75 cup chopped raisins
1.25 tsp allspice
pinch of salt

How to prepare

First, cream the butter and add the sugar, beaten eggs, and milk.
Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder, and add the raisins and spices.
Add the first mixture to the second mixture and stir together.
Roll out the dough thinly on a floured pastry board.
Cut the dough with a biscuit cutter.
Place the cut dough on greased pastry sheets.
Bake in a moderate oven for about 10 minutes.
The hermits should be crisp.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.

- Be sure to sift the dry ingredients to prevent any lumps in the dough.

- Roll out the dough thinly for a crispier cookie, or thicker for a softer texture.

- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking, as they can easily overcook and become dry.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Hermits IV with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together is essential for a light and tender cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the allspice with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hermits IV on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hermits IV with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Hermits IV in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hermits IV contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hermits IV contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hermits IV contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hermits IV contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hermits IV are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Hermits IV contain wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Hermits IV are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

Summary

Hermits IV are a classic cookie recipe that is perfect for any occasion. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these treats are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Hermits IV. It was a crisp fall afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy cottage on the outskirts of town. Martha was known for her incredible baking skills, and she had promised to teach me one of her most treasured recipes that day.

As I walked into her kitchen, the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg greeted me, and I knew I was in for a treat. Martha handed me a worn piece of paper with the recipe written in her elegant cursive handwriting. It was titled "Hermits IV" and beneath it were a list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to make these delectable cookies.

Martha explained that Hermits IV were a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. Each batch was made with love and care, using only the finest ingredients. She told me stories of baking these cookies with her grandmother as a young girl, and how they always brought joy to their family and friends.

I listened intently as Martha walked me through the steps of making the dough, mixing in the spices, and folding in the raisins and nuts. She showed me how to shape the dough into small rounds and bake them until they were golden brown and fragrant.

As the cookies cooled on the wire rack, Martha poured us each a cup of tea and we sat at her kitchen table, savoring the warm, spicy aroma that filled the room. She handed me a cookie, still warm from the oven, and I took a bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue - sweet and chewy, with a hint of spice and a crunch of nuts. It was pure perfection.

From that day on, I was hooked. I made Hermits IV for every special occasion - birthdays, holidays, and just because. Each time I baked them, I thought of Martha and her cozy cottage kitchen, and the memories we had shared that day.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a touch more cinnamon or swapping out the nuts for dried fruit. But the essence of Martha's Hermits IV remains the same - a comforting, delicious treat that brings joy to all who taste them.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it down to my own children and grandchildren. Each time I bake a batch of Hermits IV, I feel a connection to Martha and all the bakers who came before her, carrying on a tradition that brings people together and fills their hearts with warmth and love.

So, whenever I make Hermits IV, I am reminded of that crisp fall afternoon in Martha's kitchen, and the excitement that washed over me as I first saw that treasured recipe. And I am grateful for the gift of baking, and the joy it brings to all who taste these delicious cookies.