Missing penguins, making peppernuts
All you people who have seen the documentary "Penguins Marching," will know how to sympathize with the parents of the missing young penguin named Toga. He was stolen from the zoo on the Isle of Wight. The zoo keepers are very worried because Toga is only three months old and still was being fed by his father. Naturally he wouldn't have a clue as to how to find food for himself. A large reward has been offered for his safe return, even the U.S. has offered to add $600 to the reward.
Ever since he was a young boy at home, my son has loved making peppernuts. He learned to love them when Elsie Reinke used to make them. He got the recipe (an old German one) that came down through her family. It takes many kinds of spices, so it's quite a challenge to find them all.
He started making the dough in a large crock and since then only that crock will do. The dough has to stand overnight then it is rolled out in pencil-shaped rolls. Then it is sliced into thin pieces. After that each slice is rolled in the hands to the desired small round form. Of course, it is then baked at a certain controlled temperature.
About every three years my son gets the urge to go through the ritual. It usually hits him about three days before Christmas, then everything goes on hold until he accomplishes his contribution to the holidays. If you see him, ask him for a sample. You have to hold it in your mouth until it sort of melts. It will help you enjoy the delicious taste of the season.
By the way, if you see the lost penguin be sure to call London at once.
And another Merry Christmas to you, too!
— NORMA HANNAFORD
