Country Kitchen:
Cookie Jar Memories
By Mary Emma Allen
When I saw the big red apple cookie jar midst the jumble of belongings in
the old farmhouse where I grew up, I realized it had survived the years
since my childhood. The paint was worn in places where little hands had
held it while removing the cover and reaching inside for treats. However,
enough red and green and yellow remained that memories of childhood came
flooding back.
Those days when we four children rushed from the school bus to the
kitchen we often were assailed by the aroma of freshly baked cookies.
Those that remained after we had our fill before heading outside for
chores, Mother placed in the cookie jar.
Mother received the Big Apple one year for Christmas. I can't remember
who gave it to her, but it became one of those familiar sights in our
kitchen.
Cookie Jars of Childhood
The cookie jar of my husband's childhood was a brown cow which someone
gave to his mother. Since they lived on a dairy farm, it had seemed an
appropriate gift. She, too, kept it filled with cookies for those eight
boys who came in hungry from the barn.
The grandchildren later looked for cookies in the "brown cow" whenever
they visited "The Farm." One of the granddaughters now has it in a place
of honor in her home for her children to enjoy.
Another cookie jar my mom had was given to her by Cousin Ina when this
relative moved to an assisted living home. It was yellow, with basket
weave and leaves on the outside. When the "big apple" overflowed, Mother
stored cookies here.
The cookie jar that will fill my grandchildren's memories is a Pillsbury
Doughboy my daughter acquired by saving Doughboy points. When you lift
the hat off, a few musical notes sound out. So no little hands can snitch
cookies without mom being aware.
Cookie Jar Collectibles
Cookie jars have become popular collectibles, whether for monetary or
memory value. Many of us have cookies jars in our childhood and may find
similar ones in yard sales, antique shops, or at auctions that we'll want
to acquire. Or we may find others we simply like and want to use in our
home.
I discovered that many Big Apple cookie jars were made by the Hull
Pottery in the era when Mother received hers (the late 1940s or early
1950s). A few other makers of cookie jars included Abingdon, American
Bisque, Brush, McCoy, Red Wing, Shawnee, and Twin Winton.
Cookie jars exist in many shapes and designs. Some are in the form of
fruit and vegetables, animals, birds, story and movie characters,
buildings, buckets, barrels, and even Noah's ark. Most are pottery, but
some are of glass.
I'd enjoy hearing about the cookie jars of your childhood. At least write
down those memories for your families to enjoy. And make some of the
cookies that you found so delicious.
STIR-N-DROP SUGAR COOKIES my mom found quicker to make than the ones you
rolled out and cut. Her sister gave her this recipe.
Mix together 2 beaten eggs. 2/3 cup oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 teaspoon
grated lemon rind (optional). Stir in 3/4 cup sugar. Sift together 2 cups
flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix creamed and dry
ingredients together well.
Drop by teaspoons onto greased baking sheet. Flatten with greased glass
dipped into sugar. Sprinkle with more sugar, if desired. Bake at 375
degrees F. for 8-10 minutes, or until cookies are done. Remove from pan
at once.
(If there are any cookies left after your family samples them, store in
your favorite cookie jar.)
(C) 2003 Mary Emma Allen
About the Author
Mary Emma Allen has been writing her "Cooking Column" for newspapers
and online publications for 30 years and
has compiled a family cookbook. She’s currently compiling a
cookbook/story book,
"Tales From a Country Kitchen." Visit her web site for more cooking
articles. Contact her at me.allen@juno.com
