Help Solve The Mystery! Who Let The Hog Out?
I caught him peering through the window at Little Paddocks waiting for an opportunity to slip inside and get out of the cold. But how did he happen to show up here? If you have a clue…let me know!
Dreading the bad rap he’s bound to get if he sees his shadow, perhaps he thought it best to get out of Punxy while he still had the chance.
Growing up near Punxsutawney Pennsylvania, Groundhog Day always had special significance for me. The anticipation! The hope springing eternal! The thoughts of getting out my bike and wearing new Keds! But alas…”disappointment haunted all my dreams” (The Monkees.) The little rodent saw his shadow more often than not!
New traditions had to be formed, beginning with the annual baking of the Groundhog Cookies!!!
Soooo…
Spicy Groundhog Cookies *
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- Mini Chocolate Chips, for the eyes ( I used raisins…cut up)
- Groundhog Cookie Cutter
- Sift together first seven ingredients. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Blend in molasses and yolk.
- Stir in flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball.
- Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill overnight or freeze.
- Place small amounts of dough on a well-floured and clean countertop. Roll ⅛ inch thick.
- Cut out cookies with lightly floured Groundhog cookie cutter.
- Keep adding more flour to surface/rolling pin as needed.
- Place cookies on greased baking sheet.
- Brush with slightly beaten egg.
- Decorate with mini chocolate chip eyes. Or raisins like me! Repeat until all dough is used.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven.
- Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet.
- As featured in Elaine Light’s iconic cookbook…Gourmets & Groundhogs.
I’ll be skipping Gobbler’s Knob …again! This being the times that they are just wrap up in a blanket, pour Hot Toddy and tune into everyone’s favorite holiday tradition “Groundhog Day
But if you’re able to make it…here’s a like to help you get the most out of your Groundhog Day adventure at Gobbler’s Knob! (Sorry…the Inner Circle Groundhog’s Ball is sold out this year!)
“Here’s to The Groundhog & World Peace…Ware Hole!”
