Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Chocolate Crinkles for the Grieving


Have you ever found yourself at a loss?  Not believing the news you have just heard or what to do next for that matter.  I received a call the other evening informing me that my Husbands' Uncle was killed in a work accident.

I guess one can never really prepare themselves for those types of phone calls.  Not only was he a valued member of the family, but he was on my Christmas Cookie distribution list.  I looked forward to bringing him those cookies every year and he looked forward to devouring them.  I've never lost anyone from the list; I kept replaying that in my head for some reason.

The unfortunate part of being in a large family is that there are as many funerals as there are weddings.  Saying good-bye though never gets easier.

I wasn't sure if there was much of anything I could do to provide a little comfort to my Mother-in-law, so I made her some of her favorite cookies Chocolate Crinkles. I hope they will help her with her grieving even if it's the tiniest bit.  

Chocolate Crinkles
1/2 cup + 4 tbsp. vegetable oil
12 tbsp. cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup powdered sugar

Mix the oil, cocoa and granulated sugar.  Mix in one egg at a time until well combined.  Add vanilla. Sift the flour.  Add flour, baking powder and salt into mixture, mix until well combined.  Chill the dough at least 3-4 hours.  Oil your hands and take rounded teaspoons full of dough and roll into a ball, and then roll the balls in powdered sugar.  Place balls onto a parchment lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 10 minutes.

Makes 36 cookies.


Tip:  If you want the cookies to remain chewier, pull them out right at 10 minutes, if you would like them a little crisper, give them another 2 minutes or so.


I'm always unsure as to what would be an appropriate dish to bring in a situation such as this, what would you think is a good dish to bring?

Gina

32 comments:

  1. I never know what to bring either but I know that any dish is a priceless gesture that brings a bit of comfort, even if the pain is still there. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure the gesture of these cookies means the world to your mother in law, not to mention she really likes them!

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  2. Thanks Dionne, I appreciate the kind thoughts.

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  3. Gina you such a nice person; I can just imagine what your family is feeling. I am sure your offering was much appreciated.
    Rita

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  4. I am sorry to hear about your loss. One can really never quite prepare oneself for such news. I am sure your mom-in-law will appreciate those cookies and know that you are thinking of her.

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  5. I'm so sorry, Gina, to hear about the loss of your your husband's uncle. You're so right; we are never prepared for those phone calls. I'm sure your mother-in-law will appreciate the love baked in your beautiful cookies!

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  6. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. You're absolutely right - being in a large family means just as many funerals as weddings. And they never get any easier. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  7. Oh my Gina. What do you say when you hear something like this. There is nothing much to say than that my thoughts are with you and the rest of the family. Although food is important; in times like this just being around would be comforting already.

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  8. Gina, sorry to hear your news. When its unexpected like that I think its more of a shock and harder to accept, I can relate to that with recent happenings here in the past year. I know your cookies and sentiment will be greatly appreciated,
    Hugs!

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  9. Thanks everyone, it was a long day and your kind thoughts have made my evening better.

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  10. I'm sure anything you took time out of your day for will show them your thoughts for you and make them appreciate it. Besides, comfort food is always best, in my opinion. I hope you and they will feel better.

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  11. Anything made with love and care as these are. I am so sorry about your loss - there has been a lot of sad news rumbling the last two days. Makes me pause and remember to be thankful for the here and now.

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  12. Gina,
    So sorry for your loss. As said before, you are never prepared for those phone calls. If I take food, or make something for a grieving family, I usually make comfort food, or something sweet, brownies, cookies, or Texas Sheet Cake.

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  13. Sorry, Gina, to hear about the loss of your family. I am totally with Claudia...anything with LOVE would be a great comfort.

    (((HUG)))
    Angie

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  14. I am so, so sorry to hear about your husband's uncle, Gina. Sometimes when we are at such a loss, baking and cooking is the only way we know how to express our love. And it's a very good way. Hugs.

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  15. Gina, I am so sorry for your loss...I know your family is hurting. I always bake at times like this, too. I know your delicious cookies will be appreciated. xo

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  16. I am so sorry for your loss :(

    Your cookies are however my most favorite cookie in the world. My mom makes them for me every Christmas. They look JUST like this

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  17. Hi Gina, M sorry to hear about your loss...May god give you and your family the strength.
    I think its a good dish to bring coz he was on your Christmas Cookie distribution list. God Bless you all

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  18. Thanks everyone all such good advice. Thank you for all the kind wishes.

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  19. Totally Yummy..I should definetly try this as soon as possible.thanks for the recipe dear..Following your blog straight away..If you have time Check out my blog too..

    Aarthi
    http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/
    I am having a Giveaway..
    http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/2011/10/3-reason-to-celebrate-3-cookbooks.html

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  20. I am sorry to hear about your loss.thanks for sharing this yummmm recipe.

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  21. Totally difficult one and appreciate what you and your family must be going through. Think your wonderful cookies are spot on and just right in this kind of situation, Gina.

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  22. Gina, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. It is so sweet of you to have backed these goodies for your mother-in-law. I'm sure they brought her a little comfort :) Big hugs

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  23. I know you did just fine, showing your thoughts are with your loved ones. I'm so sorry for your loss Gina.

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  24. Oh dear, sweet friend...I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Please know that you are all in my prayers. I am sure the cookies were a welcomed comfort to your loved one's and just the fact that you loved them with unconditional love through your kind heart, will be a huge blessing. Sending you a big hug! xo

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  25. sweet bella Gina I am so very sorry to hear of this loss, praying that HIS peace that passes all understanding will surround you and the entire family and bring the comfort that only He can. I can't think of anything more appropriate that a dish brought to someone in love, these cookies will be received with such adoration and gratitude. Much love to you tonight

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  26. Gina, your heart is as big as this pink bucket of cookies (if not bigger)...and I'm sure your in-laws will be grateful for your comforting gesture in making these. Again, I'm very sorry to hear about your family's loss especially so close to the festive season. May he rest in peace.

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  27. Hope all is ok with you Gina; thinking about you.
    Rita

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  28. I am so sorry about you and your families loss sweetie. I think these beautiful cookies are the perfect comforting dish, and as they come with such love and caring, they are more than perfect.
    Big hugs

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  29. I'm so so o sorry to hear about your loss Gina. I don't think we are ever prepared for that call. I hope your mother in law found the love you have for the entire family in these delicious looking cookies :)

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  30. Hi Gina, first time here...I am so sorry to hear about the loss..I love chocolate crinkles and its my favorite xmas cookies. I hope to learn more about ur wonderful recipes...happy to follow u.

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