Cowboy Cookies

I loved when my mom made my favorite cookies. I have no idea why she called them cowboy cookies, but they were delicious! Still today when I think of them I smell that delicious waft in the air. In fact, I think I might whip up a batch right now just for the smell alone.

Theresa's Cowboy Cookies

2 c. flour

1 t. soda

½ t. salt

½ t. baking powder

1 c. shortening

1 c. sugar

1 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 c. oats

1 t. vanilla.

Sift together and set aside the flour, soda,  salt, and baking powder. Blend together the shortening, sugar, and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy. Add the flour a cup at a time and mix well. Add the rolled oats and vanilla. Drop by teaspoon on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

*Note: If you are like me and don't want to run to the store to find the shortening, you can substitute 1 cup shortening for 1 cup + 2 T. of butter. It works and the cookies are still yummy, but not perfectly Theresa.

I love this picture of Theresa and her best friend Grace showing a little leg in the 1930's. Pretty racy mom!

Vanilla Ice Cream

Summertime just wasn't complete without some delicious homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. It was so much fun to gather in the evening and take our turn at the crank. We would play games like Annie Eye Over as we called it, play a little tether ball, or laugh hysterically as we played The Bishop's Cat. It was great time spent together with my mom and siblings. My dad would appear from the milk barn just as the delicious treat was ready.

Theresa's Vanilla Ice Cream

Makes 1 ½ Quart

1 Quart Half and Half Milk (of course living on a farm we just skimmed cream from the milk tank)
1 T. Vanilla
3/4 cup sugar
½ t. salt

Mix ingredients together and fill can 2/3 full. Put center cap on can rest. Pack ice and salt around the inner can. Pour 1 cup cold water on the ice and salt. Add more as it settles to completely cover.

Crank the ice cream maker for about 30 minutes to 1 hour,  checking consistency. Or, you might want to get this new fangled ice cream maker from amazon then everyone can play the games while you let the motor do the cranking!

Theresa and Ed on one of their many Saturday rides.