One of my favorite childhood memories is arriving at my Bubby and Zayde’s apartment to the smell of freshly baked Munn (from the German mohn – poppy) cookies. That smell reminds me of a wonderful time, because it would fill the air and surround me like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night.
None of my siblings or cousins recall those cookies the way I did. Maybe because I was the youngest at the time. Sometimes my father and I sat and enjoyed the company of my Bubby Sarah as she set out a plate of fresh baked cookies and hot tea.
On the third Monday of the month our guests at the Kosher Senior Café and I meet an hour before lunch and whip up some delicious treats which call to mind good memories of spending time with our loving Bubbies. I was surprised to find many of their mothers and Bubbies baked these same cookies. When hands are busy forming cookies and mixing dough, minds have a way of freeing themselves from the troubles of everyday life.
At the Kosher Senior Café we share memories and tastes from the past together. When I used to visit my parents in Florida, my wife, Peggy, always sent along a package of Munn cookies. After just a few bites, my father would start to share reminisces about his mom and days past sitting at her table. The tradition of food and sharing memories feeds both our bodies and our souls.
NEAL DROBNIS is the coordinator of Jewish Collaborative Services Kosher Senior Café. You can reach him at neal@jfsri.org
Bubby Sara’s Munn Cookies
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup poppy seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup white sugar
1 egg, separated
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (175 degrees C.). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Stir together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder and salt.
In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light; beat in the egg yolk, lemon zest and lemon juice. Fold in the flour mixture and mix well.
Divide dough in half and roll each half out on a lightly floured surface until 1/8- to ¼-inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters and place cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops of cookies with beaten egg white and sprinkle with white sugar.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden; the edges should be light brown.
If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share with the Kosher Senior Café let me know; our guests are always interested in other recipes. All activities are free and open to the public. If you want to stay for lunch, reservations are required a day before.