Sophie's Magic Hermits

I pulled out the old recipe cards again. And by old, I mean from my Great Grandma Sophie Pitura's recipe box. I just LOVE these old time cookie recipes. Hermits are spiced cookies and there is rumor they were named "Hermits" because they resemble a hermit or monk's brown robe when dropped on the baking sheet. Another explanation is that Moravians, who were known for spicy cookies, were called "herrnhutter" in German or Dutch, and "herrnhutter" might have sounded like "hermits" to an English-speaking cook. Regardless, they are an old time cookie with a fun name, and taste great!

1/2 cup butter (I used margarine)

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup raisins

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup chopped, pitted dates
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- Cream together butter/margarine and brown sugar.
- Beat in eggs, milk, vanilla and nutmeg.
- Stir in raisins, walnuts and dates.
- Fold in remaining dry ingredients until completely combined.
- Dropped dough on cookie sheet, and slightly flatten.
- Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes.

To take your taste buds for a walk down memory lane, click to see more Sophie's Recipes or visit my Prairie Story.