...and this one's for you

I love my life here.  My new friends, old friends that have come to visit, friends I haven't met yet, my gramma, the mountains, walking to 7-eleven for pina coloda slurpees, Bear Lake.  It's great.  My girls are happy; I'm happy.
But I also miss some things.  The country.  Walking around in my undies without worrying who can see in my windows.  My sister.  My parents.  Diversity.  My hair dresser.  But more specifically tonight, people.  We made a treat for some new friends, which was delicious, but made me crave some old friends.  (Happy Birthday, Grace Money.  We made these with you in mind.  Hope it was fab.  Now come visit us!) 
In life, there are some people who are family, even though they're not family.  You know.  I am so grateful for those people.  It's the little things...and the big things.  I am so blessed to know them; to have such a wonderful family. 
Thanks for being so gosh-darn inappropriate at all the right times.  You know who you are.  We love you, and wish we could cook for you always.  xoxo, Me & the Nuggets

Chewy Gingersnaps

Preheat oven to 375*

Combine:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses (not blackstrap*)
• 1 egg

Stir in:

• 3.5 ounces crystallized ginger, chopped coarsely

Add and mix well:

• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Form 1" balls and roll in granulated sugar.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet, 2" apart.
Bake 8-10 minutes.  Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

*If you only have blackstrap molasses, use 1/8 cup blackstrap and 1/8 cup honey.