Peppernuts

 This recipe is a traditional Christmas cookie from my mother’s family (Meta Beckedorf Motycka).  I have many memories of making these cookies with my Mom and Lyle.  Our children loved to make them and later included their boyfriends in the baking fun.  Peppernuts have special meaning to us now because they were very important to Rachel.  We made them with her and Mike the weekend before she entered the hospital for the last time.

1 lb. lard
1 lb. brown sugar
1 t. salt
1 T. ginger
2 T. cinnamon
1 small T. cloves
1 small T. allspice

 Mix above ingredients like pie dough.  Then add: 

1 quart brown syrup
1 t. soda dissolved in hot water (about ¼ c.)
½ c. buttermilk
1 T. vanilla
flour (about 5 lbs.)

Dough must be stiff.  It helps to have a heavy duty mixer like a Kitchen Aid.  Roll with hands to make rope, slice.  Place cut side up on slightly greased baking sheet.  Bake at 350. 

Peppernuts seem to keep for years, especially if you freeze them.

Here are pictures of Rachel and Mike making them for Christmas in 1994, and Audrey and Sarah in 2003.