Ma is what KAREN BASKIN (Mount Juliet, Tennessee) called her grandma. Ma, MARTHA NANNIE STAFFORD (Gainesboro, Tennessee), used to say, “You might as well laugh as to cry,” and that’s how she lived her life. “She had such a positive attitude and was always smiling and laughing, no matter the hardships she was facing,” Karen recalls. “Ma also loved Halloween—for years she made homemade popcorn balls to give out as treats. She also loved to dress up and play practical jokes on people. One time, she disguised herself as a hobo and even fooled my grandfather—he had no idea it was her.”
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2 In a large bowl cream together the shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, white sugar, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add the flour and mix well.
3 Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place on greased cookie sheets. Flatten with a fork to make crisscross marks.
4 Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned on the bottoms. Cool on a wire rack.
MAKES 18 TO 24 COOKIES.