Lucky Black Cat Cookies

(No black cats are harmed in the recipe for these cookies)

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Chocolate Frosting:

2 1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cloves
2 to 3 tablespoons baking cocoa

Garnishes:

black sanding sugar
small candies (green/yellow) or whole cloves for eyes

Blend together butter and sugar; stir in egg, vanilla, and nutmeg. Add flour; mix until well blended. Shape into ball; cover and chill 4 hours to overnight. Roll out dough 1/4-inch thick on a lightly floured surface; cut out with cat-shaped cookie cutters.

Arrange cookies on lightly greased baking sheets; bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Frost cookies with Chocolate Frosting when cool; if desired, sprinkle with black sanding sugar and add candy "eyes" or whole clove "eyes." Makes about 2 dozen.

Chocolate frosting:

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth.

--slightly adapted from Gooseberry Patch Kids, Gooseberry Patch: Black Cat Cut-out Cookies October 2012.

Alright, I admit that this Lucky Black Cat Cookies recipe has nothing to do with hoodoo workings, African American foodways, or traditional culture. Nevertheless, I wanted to put this recipe into "That Hoodoo..." because black cats, in general, ARE significant in some apects of Southern USA culture and folklore. This Lucky Black Cat Cookies recipe has added nutmeg for luck. See cats under C: Roots and Stuff.

I adore black cats. My personal opinion is that black cats draw powerful good luck. "Black Cat Appreciation Day" is on August 17th. Bake some cookies. Have a party. Appreciate those Lucky Black Cats!

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