Makes about 2-dozen

Mom Zimmer was the mother of Marion Zimmer Bradley, the author of “The Mists of Avalon.” She had lived on a farm in upstate New York before moving to California in the 60’s.  She was a wonderful traditional American cook and she is responsible for some of the best traditional American recipes in my culinary repertoire.  Besides being a good cook, she was a grand lady and an indefatigable armature historian.  She is greatly missed by all who knew her.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon powdered ginger

1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ stick of butter or margarine plus 1 tablespoon

½ cup sugar

½ cup dark molasses

1 egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 375°.  Sift the dry ingredients together and set aside.  In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and molasses together well.  Add the egg and continue to mix well.  Add the dry ingredients and stir until well incorporated.  Form into ping-pong size balls and place about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet that has been line with bakers’ parchment.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are sort of crackely on top but have not yet begun to brown around the edges.