Hard Cookies. Mrs. Salmon. Recipe

Title: Mrs. Salmon's Hard Cookies: A Classic Recipe with a Delightful Crunch

Introduction:
The origins of Mrs. Salmon's Hard Cookies can be traced back to the early 20th century. This recipe has been passed down through generations, and it continues to captivate taste buds with its delightful crunch and sweet, buttery flavor. Today, we will unravel the secrets behind this beloved recipe and guide you through the process of creating these scrumptious hard cookies.

Fun Facts:
1. Mrs. Salmon, the creator of this recipe, was known for her exceptional baking skills and her signature hard cookies.
2. Hard cookies gained popularity during World War I and II as they had a longer shelf life, making them suitable for soldiers to carry during long journeys.
3. These hard cookies were often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, as their firm texture allowed them to be dunked and enjoyed without falling apart.
4. Mrs. Salmon's Hard Cookies were also a favorite treat to pack for picnics and road trips due to their durability.

Now let's dive into the recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 3 eggs
- ¼ cup sweet milk
- ½ teaspoon soda dissolved in milk
- Flour (enough to roll out thin)
- Additional granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the soda in the sweet milk.
5. Gradually add the milk mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
6. Slowly add enough flour to form a soft dough that can be rolled out thin. The exact amount of flour may vary, so add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough thinly, about ¼ inch thick.
8. Use your favorite cookie cutter shapes to cut out your desired cookie shapes.
9. Gently transfer the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for expansion during baking.
10. Sprinkle a generous amount of granulated sugar on top of each cookie and press it gently to make it stick to the dough.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:
- For added flavor, you can incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the dough.
- To make the cookies more festive, you can sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top before baking.
- Adjust the baking time depending on your desired level of hardness. Bake them a bit longer for an extra crunchy texture.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
1. Anzac Biscuits: These Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) biscuits were popular during World War I and are similar to hard cookies. They are made with rolled oats, desiccated coconut, golden syrup, flour, and butter.
2. Biscotti: Originating from Italy, biscotti are another type of hard cookies that are twice-baked to achieve their crunchy texture. Commonly flavored with almonds or hazelnuts, they are perfect for dipping into coffee or wine.
3. Attipakkalu: These Indian hard rice flour cookies are commonly prepared during festivals and are known for their unique shape. They are made using rice flour, buttermilk, butter, and sugar for a delightful crispness.

Conclusion:
Mrs. Salmon's Hard Cookies have stood the test of time, leaving a lasting impression on cookie lovers everywhere. Their firm texture, combined with the buttery sweetness, makes them a delightfully nostalgic treat. Get ready to savor every bite of these traditional hard cookies and experience a taste of history!