Welsh Cookies

Also known as Welsh Cakes and Griddle Cookies, these raisin cookies are a true childhood memory for me. With my folks being here, I got to rummaging through my late grandmother's recipe box (one of the best things I could have inherited, let me tell you) and lo and behold, there was the recipe.

My mom, dad and I immediately added the necessary ingredients to our shopping list. This afternoon, we made the cookies. I was in charge of the cooking, which is basically like making pancakes. I've never been in charge of that before. Guess I'm finally old enough, huh?

The taste is probably more scone than cookie, but if you've ever lived in an area that had Pennsylvania Dutch, there's a good chance you already know what these taste like. If not, try them. You will nom with pleasure, I assure you.

Here's the recipe for these awesome, addictive little cakes. Enjoy!

• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 1/4 cups raisins
• vegetable oil, for griddle
• NOTE: some recipes also add nutmeg or cinnamon, and I've seen other add ins like orange and lemon zest. You be the judge on what you do there.
  

Directions

1. Heat griddle until medium hot. (I wouldn't heat the griddle until you've got the dough mixed.)
   
2. Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in butter like for pastry.
4. Combine milk and egg; add with raisins to dry mixture.
5. Stir until moistened and mixture holds together.
6. Roll dough out onto floured board to 1/4-inch thick and cut with 2-inch round cookie cutter. (Or a juice glass. lol)
   
7. Oil griddle lightly. (If you use a non-stick griddle, you can skip this step.)
   
8. Place cookies on griddle.
9. As bottoms brown, top will get puffy.
10. Turn and brown other side.
11. Serve hot or cold.