Paw Paw Cookies (Blog Eighteen)

In one of my first blogs, I wrote about the joys of gathering paw paws in the fall and Elaine making bread from these fruits.  When Elaine did so last autumn, she froze the leftover pulp and yesterday she brought a touch of autumn to a drab winter day by making paw paw cookies.

Monday during my English 10 Honors class at Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, Virginia, I began a lesson on the Great Depression and the classic novel OF MICE AND MEN by discussing how our ancestors during the 1930s were often subsistence hunters and gatherers.  Paw paws, I explained, were often gathered and used for pies, breads, cookies, and general eating.  Even if you are not a hunter/gatherer like myself, you can enjoy Elaine's recipe.

Pawpaw Cookies   1 1/2 c. pawpaw pulp 3/4 c. softened butter 1 1/3 c. sugar 1 egg 3 c. sifted flour 1 Tbsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ginger 1/4 tsp.cloves 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. cinnamon 2/3 cup walnuts Thoroughly cream the shortening and sugar. Add beaten egg and pawpaw. Stir in the dry ingredients, which have been sifted together, and mix well. Form into small balls and place on cookie sheet. Press into round flat shape Bake in a 350 degree oven for 11-12 minutes.