Black Walnut Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup dark molasses
• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 1/4 cup water

Directions

1. Mix together flour, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix molasses, baking soda, and baking powder; let foaming subside and set aside.
3. In large bowl, cream butter and sugar, add molasses mixture and beat; next add rum and water to the mixture.
4. Once mixture is uniform, gradually add dry ingredients, mixing after each addition. Add walnuts and stir slightly. The dough will be sticky.
5. Either place the dough in the refrigerator overnight or in the freezer for 10 minutes to ease handling.
6. Make 1/4-inch balls of dough and place on a greased and floured baking sheet. Slightly flatten the balls before placing in the oven.
7. Bake at 375° for 10 to 15 minutes. Let the cookies rest for 2 to 3 minutes before removing from the baking sheet and placing on a cooling rack.

Makes 2 dozen.