Peanut Butter Crisscross Cookies - 100th POST!!!

This is a special post.

Happy 100th post to me!!

I could've done a big ole cake to celebrate...or I could've done ice cream or cupcakes or something. But no. I chose Peanut Butter Crisscross Cookies

Why? Well, this was the first recipe I was known for. This was my first "signature" recipe. When I was a young girl...middle school age, this is what I baked.

I don't remember the first time I baked them. I'm sure they turned out good and / or I received lots of praise, otherwise I might not have ever made them again.

Dad liked them. And it made me feel good to make something that he enjoyed. It was that certain reward that someone who cooks and bakes loves.... That look of joy and the mmm's and oooh's.

The realization that you can make something that tastes good. And the thrill in watching others enjoy what you've made.

So this post is dedicated to nostalgia. To memories and beginnings. And to all things good that have been created since then!

And maybe even a little thanks to Better Homes and Garden for a great recipe that has lasted years and years in my family.

1 cup shortening

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 beaten eggs

1 cup peanut butter

3 cups sifted enriched flour

2 teaspoons soda

Dash salt

Preheat oven to 375'

Real quick here....I don't think my mom ever had shortening in the house. I'm pretty sure I used margarine instead. Tonight I used 1/2 cup shortening and 1/2 cup butter. And the soda must mean baking soda. Did I mention that this cookbook is as old as I am?

Thoroughly cream shortening, sugars, and vanilla. Add eggs; beat thoroughly.

Stir in peanut butter.

(I just love playing with my food!)

Sift dry ingredients; stir into creamed mixture.

Form into tiny balls; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Press with back of a fork to make crisscross.

When I'm ready to make my crisscrosses, I get a little bowl of water and have it handy. Dip the fork into the water every so often to keep the dough from sticking to the fork.

Dough may also be rolled and cut if desired.

Bake in moderate oven (375') 10 minutes.

Makes 8 dozen cookies.

Now, I don't have any cool prizes or gifts to hand out as party favors. But maybe you can share with me what your first "signature" recipe was or maybe the first thing you remember cooking.