Walp's Wednesday~Moravian Brown Cookies

On November 29, 1998 Walp's Restaurant closed. The property was sold to the Rite Aid Drug Company. It was an emotional event for the entire family, the employees, and the many patrons, but after 62 years of serving the Lehigh Valley, the time had come to pass another Lehigh Valley landmark into the annals of history.

My daughter Jamiann and I had dinner at Walps on November 15, 1998 just two weeks before it's doors were closed forever. The elderly waitress who tended our table told us that the owners were finding it very hard to find reliable help, they wanted to retire, and there was no one in the family who was interested in keeping the restaurant going. It was certainly a sad day for the Lehigh Valley, and travelers passing through.

The owners had the good sense to publish a cookbook to pass on it's many wonderful recipes, which include a great deal of Pennsylvania Dutch delectables.

For the next few weeks up until December 23, 2009 I will be posting recipes from this cookbook.





Moravian Brown Cookies

1 c light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 c butter 1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt 1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground clove
1 tsp ground white pepper
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp ginger
5 cups flour, divided
1 egg well beaten
1 cup molasses, slightly warm
1 tsp baking soda dissolved in
1/4 cup hot water


Cream brown sugar with butter together. Sift together baking powder, salt, spices, and 1 cup flour into a mixing bowl. Work sugar-butter mixture into flour mixture, add beaten egg and warm molasses. Stir hot water and baking soda into mixture. Stir in 4 cups sifted flour a little at a time. Chill in the refrigerator over night. Roll out very thin on a lightly floured board. (or parchment paper) Cut out with cookie cutters. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet in a 325 degree oven about 15 min. until lightly browned. Suggestions: If desired, pierce with a darning needle when they are removed from the oven so they may be threaded with yarn or string to hang on the Christmas tree. Cookies may also be iced with colored frosting and decorated with chopped nuts, dried fruits or colored sprinkles.