Human Chews???

Part of the address for the blog is "human chews."  During my 2nd or 3rd year teaching, there was a group of teachers that always ate lunch together. We frequently shared foods - and lots of laughter.  One of the recipes I had tried came from "Miss Emma."  These were nameless icebox cookies and had apparently just been one of those recipes that my grandma had been making all of her life. 

Being a novice cook, I apparently added too much flour and the cookies, although gorgeous, were a little - well.... hard. They were so tough to eat, the band teacher nicknamed them "human chews".  I am ashamed to say I can't remember his name,  but I do remember his comment.  I wasn't offended in the least because it was true that they were like human dog treats.  Needless to say, I have always been heavy-handed with flour. More about that adventure when we talk about biscuits.  :)

The human chews, as they are always called now are simple, rolled icebox cookies.  The dough freezes well, so you can make them ahead. 

Let me know if you try them.  Miss Emma would surely smile at you. 

Human Chews
1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs, beaten slightly
2 teaspoons lemon extract
3 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
chopped nuts (she used pecans, but they're optional)

cream the shortening and sugar
add eggs and extract
combine all dry ingredients and nuts and add to shortening/sugar mixture
roll into 2 rolls (it'll be a little sticky) and wrap in waxed paper
refrigerate at least 2 hours
slice thin, place on sprayed cookie sheet

bake at 375 until slightly brown on the bottom