St. Hildegaard von Bingen’s So called “Cookies of Joy”
Adapted from the original [1] & Benedictine nun [2] recipes
“Eat them often.” ~ Hildegaard of Bingen (1098-1179)
3/4 Cup Butter
1 Cup “Demerara” Molasses Sugar
1 Egg
1 Tsp Vanilla
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1/4 Tsp Salt
1 1/2 Cups Spelt Flour
2 1/4 Tsp Cinnamon
2 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg (approx. 2.2 grams [3])
1 Tsp Ground Cloves
1 Tsp Ginger
Pre-Heat Oven to 375-400 Degrees F.
1. Cream Sugar & Butter, add Egg
2. Sift Dry Ingredients
3. Add 1/2 Dry Ingredients & Fully Mix, then Add the 2nd 1/2 complete Mixing
4. Roll into Walnut sized Balls and smooth flat 1/8″ – 1/4″ depending if you prefer crispy or chewy
Makes about 2 Dozen.
5. Bake, 12-15 Mins. or until edges are Golden Brown
Let Cool and Enjoy
“XXI. NUTMEG (nux muscata) has great heat and good moderation in its powers.
If a person eats nutmeg, it will open their heart, make their judgment free from obstruction, and give them a good disposition.
Take some nutmeg and an equal weight of cinnamon and a bit of cloves, and pulverize them.
Then make small cakes with this and fine whole wheat flour and water [spelt flour in those days].
Eat them often.
It will calm all bitterness of the heart and mind, open your heart and impaired sense, and make your mind cheerful.
It purifies your senses and diminishes all harmful humour in you.
It gives good liquid to your blood, and makes you strong.”
References
[1] Hildegard von Bingen’s Physica: The Complete English Translation of Her Classic Work on Health and Healing. Translated form the Latin by Priscilla Throop. Illustrations by Mary Elder Jacobsen. Healing Arts Press, ROchester, VT 05767.
[2] Benedictine ‘Cookies of Joy’ for St. Hildegard, Published September 17th, 2016 [Feast Day of St. Hildegaard], Updated Oct 9th 2020. https://www.scross.co.za/2016/09/benedictine-cookies-joy-st-hildegard/
[3] https://www.traditionaloven.com/foods/exchange/tsp/g-gram/spice-nutmeg-ground.html