Swedish Ginger Cookies

Oh my, there's an ingredient in these cookies that is unexpected.....

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup strained bacon fat
• 1 cup white sugar plus more for rolling
• 4 tablespoons dark molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Heat your oven to 350  degrees F. Cream together the bacon fat and sugar, then beat in the molasses and egg. Add the remaining ingredients and combine thoroughly.

Shape the dough into walnut sized balls, then roll the balls in granulated sugar and flatten on ungreased baking sheets using your fingers. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and cracked on top. Let cool on wire racks. 

Editorial Note: The bacon fat gives these cookies a smoky flavour that complements the spices. Maybe bacon fat should make a comeback in Canadian kitchens.