I was inspired to make these cookies after reading PS I Love You.......
This was our February Selection for Lit Happens this month, chosen by Amy of Amy's Cooking Adventures. Amy is also hosting our March Food n Flix and has chosen the film that was made based on the novel.
The film and the novel are very different from each other. I thought I was going to make one recipe to include both events however, that wasn't going to happen with this novel and film. Our Lit Happens book club is not a foodie book club and there is no requirement to make a recipe based on the book we read. I always find myself inspired to go into the kitchen by whatever book I'm reading or movie I'm watching....it just comes natural to me. So more often than not you will find me sharing recipes with this group each month.
So first let's talk about the book and then in a few days you can check back and I will share my thoughts and a recipe inspired by the movie.
This novel is about a young woman, Holly, who loses her husband, Gerry, the love of her life, to brain cancer. The novel flips between Holly's memories and Holly's learning to adjust to life without her husband.
The novel starts off with Holly's friend, Sharon, coming over with a package of Jammy Dodgers because they are Holly's favorites. Holly has been very despondent, not answering the phone, not showering, not cleaning up after herself and when she does eat it is carry-out.
Sharon has Holly go take a shower and spends the time Holly is getting herself cleaned up to clean up the house in which Holly and Gerry lived. Sharon has a long, loving visit with Holly and tells her it is time to start living again.
Holly decides Sharon is right and finally goes to see her mother who has been leaving message after message for Holly. While Holly is visiting her mother gives her a package that had arrived for Holly in care of her Mom. This package contains a years worth of letters from Gerry, who requests she open one a month for the next year. Each letter ends with PS I Love You....hence the name of the novel.
Holly has a lot of support from a loving, if somewhat eccentric family and friends who help her to learn that life does, indeed, go on.....even when you have lost the love of your life. This is the lesson that Gerry's letters are meant to impart.
I liked the novel and, while there was quite a bit of food mentioned, none struck me as much as that first care package of Jammy Dodgers so that is what I am choosing to share with you today.
These cookies are quick and easy to make however you do need to allow for refrigeration after you mix the dough. At least 30 minutes and up to 3 days.
Yield: 15 cookies
Jammie Dodgers
Delicious butter cookies filled with jam are a popular treat in the United Kingdom. After making this recipe I can see why.
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 20 Mininactive time: 30 MinTotal time: 1 H & 4 M
Ingredients
- 2 sticks butter, room temperature
- 2/3 c. sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 t. vanilla
- 2 1/4 c. flour
- pinch of salt
- jam of choice, I used raspberry
Instructions
- In large bowl of stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butte and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla mixing well.
- Turn the speed to low and gradually add the flour and pinch of salt until fully incorporated.
- Remove dough from bowl and divide in half. Flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 days.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out to about 1/4" thick on a counter that has been sprinkled with flour. Use a round, 2 1/2" cookie cutter to cut 15 cookies from the first disc, rerolling as necessary. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Roll out the second disc and again cut out 15 rounds and place onto a second cookie sheet lined with parchment. using a small round or shaped cookie cutter, remove the center of each cookie on the second cookie sheet.
- Place both cookie sheets in the oven for 10 minutes. Switch rack position of the cookie sheets and bake for another 7-10 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on pans for a few minutes before removing to cooling racks to cool completely.
- When cooled, smear a dollop of jam onto the bottom of each whole cookie and top with one of the cut out cookies.
Notes:
Adapted from a recipe found at Culinary Ginger
Calories
225.10Fat (grams)
13.04Sat. Fat (grams)
7.98Carbs (grams)
24.30Fiber (grams)
0.53Net carbs
23.77Sugar (grams)
9.72Protein (grams)
2.91Sodium (milligrams)
116.08Cholesterol (grams)
57.19
Love cookies with jelly or jam. My favorites.
ReplyDeleteYes and very pretty to serve up.
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