Spry vegetable shortening was a staple of American homemakers in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. The manufacturer, Unilever Corp. (Lever Brothers), published dozens of cookbooklets featuring matronly cartoon character “Aunt Jenny” and her recipes using Spry.
Sugar Cookies
Pamela Stewart of Washington, Pa., writes: “Since my grandmother passed away a few months ago, I have enjoyed looking through her dozens of cookbooks. She had a 20th-anniversary Spry cookbook with a recipe for Sugar Cookies that might be the one requested l by Don.” 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel, grated 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling 2 eggs 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 tablespoons milk Raisins or split blanched almonds (optional) Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the shortening, salt, lemon peel, nutmeg, 1 cup sugar and the unbeaten eggs. Beat until smooth. Sift the flour with the baking powder and soda; add to the egg mixture and blend. Add the milk and mix well. Measure out level tablespoons of dough onto greased baking sheets. Flatten the cookies by stamping with a flat-bottomed glass covered with a damp cloth. Sprinkle with sugar. If desired, press 3 raisins or almonds into each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies. Editor’s note: Thanks to all readers who sent in this recipe.
Peanut Butter Cookies (Cookie Press)
For M.S., Pittsburgh, who wanted recipes for a cookie press. From Dorothy Kokal, Pittsburgh. 1 cup vegetable shortening 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup peanut butter 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the shortening and sugars until fluffy. Add the eggs and peanut butter. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients. Fill the cookie press according to manufacturer’s directions. Form into the desired shapes on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 8 dozen.
Spice Cookies (Cookie Press)
3/4 cup vegetable shortening 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup molasses 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the shortening and brown sugar. Add the egg and molasses. Sift together the flour, soda, salt, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients. Fill the cookie press according to manufacturer’s directions. Form into desired shapes on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 5 dozen.
Anyone have these recipes?
I’m looking for a recipe called Potato Dressing Balls, an Amish Mennonite dish given on TV by Marcia Adams. – Monique Gray, via e-mail This request is for my sister, who lives out of state. We grew up in the North Hills area and were very much into the Steelers during the ’70s. We were talking about recipes one day and got onto the subject of sandwiches. She says that Lynn Swann shared his favorite sandwich recipe back then. It had sausage, cheese, “lots of stuff,” spices and was baked in the oven. She says she made it once and it was very good. Mom’s recipe box was lost in a house flood, and it might have been in there. – Sally, North Hills
Want to participate?
Send requests and replies to Recipe Exchange, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, D.L. Clark Building, 503 Martindale St., Pittsburgh, PA 15065; or fax (412) 320-7966; or e-mail kwelzel@tribweb.com . Recipes and requests cannot be taken over the phone. Please include your full name, street address and daytime phone number so a staff member can contact your for more information, if needed. This information is strictly confidential. Indicate whether you want your full name or just your initials used for publication. In a request, describe the dish as best as you can, offering a recipe name or some of the ingredients, if possible. If you send in a recipe, try to include box and can sizes (or a measured amount of an ingredient), pan sizes, oven temperature and the approximate baking time or a way to test for doneness. Include the number of servings, too, if possible.
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