Joe Froggers

By sandiB2010

In the early 1800s, the election took place at the end of May, a time when frogs were peeping in the pond, and by association the cookies were called Joe's Froggers. Over time the possessive was dropped, and the name today is Joe Froggers.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon dark rum
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups unsulphured dark molasses
• 6 to 7 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ginger
• 1 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Details

Adapted from yankeemagazine.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine hot water and rum. In a second bowl, combine soda and molasses. In a third bowl, whisk together 6 cups flour with salt and spices. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Blend water and rum into creamed mixture. Alternately add molasses and dry ingredients until well blended, stopping periodically to scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. (If dough is too stiff, add a little water; if not stiff enough, add more flour.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease two baking sheets or line with parchment.

Alternately, do not roll out the dough, but break off pieces and roll between your palms until they are the size of ping-pong balls. Arrange the balls on the baking sheet, then place 1/2 cup granulated sugar into a bowl. Press the bottom of a drinking glass into the sugar, then press it onto each ball of dough, flattening it before baking.