I was incredibly fortunate to have the best grandpa. He taught me so much, especially the value of being frugal, but always with a sense of fun and a twinkle in his eye. I cherish so many memories of him, and they often come flooding back, especially when I bake these special peanut butter cookies.
One of my fondest memories of Grandpa involves our trips to Sam’s Club. It was partly for groceries, of course, but let’s be honest, the free samples were a major draw for both of us. Right as we walked in, Grandpa would buy us a large soda. His advice was always the same, delivered with a conspiratorial whisper: “Drink it fast so you can get a refill!” And as we were leaving, with a wink and a nod, he’d say, “Save that cup so you can get a free one next time.” This was Grandpa John in a nutshell – always finding a way to maximize value and share a little playful secret.
Grandpa John's Sam's Club Soda Strategy for Free Refills
Free samples were practically a sport for Grandpa. He believed in experiencing everything on offer, with a healthy dose of skepticism and humor. I remember one day at the store, he approached me with a comically grimaced expression. “Don’t try the white chocolate samples,” he warned, his voice low and serious. “They’re awful.” Then, with a dramatic point over his shoulder, he revealed the basket’s label: “SOAP CHIPS” in bold, undeniable letters. It was his way of teaching me to pay attention, but also to find humor in the everyday, even in a near-miss with soap disguised as white chocolate.
Grandpa John's Soap Chips Sample Prank at the Store
Grandpa had his quirks when it came to food too. He always ordered his McDonald’s fries “extra hot,” a request that sometimes earned him bewildered looks but always perfectly crisp fries. And if we were headed to Raggedy Ann’s, a local spot known for their “Silky” ice cream, you could bet he’d make a detour to Wendy’s for a Frosty first. He had his own unique culinary map, and we were always happy to navigate it with him.
Grandpa John Enjoying a Wendy's Frosty Treat
Even his emails were a source of amusement. I’d often find messages from Grandpa with subject lines like, “Here’s a nice pair of shoes” or “time to start thinking about spring.” Intrigued, I’d click the link, only to be greeted by images of outrageously tall neon heels or a gigantic Easter hat adorned with what looked like a flock of ostrich feathers. He had a playful sense of humor that extended to the digital world, always ready with a lighthearted jab or a ridiculous suggestion.
On a chilly spring day, you’d likely find Grandpa John on his porch, basking in the sunshine, convinced it was magically warmer there than anywhere else. To protect himself from sunburn, he’d fashion a piece of cardboard into a makeshift nose guard. He was resourceful and always ready to enjoy the simple pleasures, even if it meant a slightly unconventional approach to sunbathing.
Grandpa John's Cardboard Nose Guard for Porch Sunbathing
But above all else, Grandpa John loved peanut butter cookies. The mere thought of them could rouse him from sleep at the crack of dawn. Around 5:30 AM, he’d turn to my grandma, his voice still thick with sleep, and ask hopefully, “Do you think I could get a cup of coffee and some peanut butter cookies?” It wasn’t just a craving; it was a ritual, a comfort, a pure and simple joy.
Grandpa John's Morning Peanut Butter Cookie Request
These weren’t just any peanut butter cookies; these were Grandpa John’s favorite. You could never visit Grandma and Grandpa’s house without being offered one, or likely several. Grandma, being the amazing baker she is, perfected this recipe years ago when Grandpa was diagnosed with celiac disease. She’s been making them gluten-free ever since, ensuring he never had to miss out on his beloved treat.
Grandma’s recipe is a masterpiece of adaptability. She’s known to add milk chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and pecans, transforming them into festive variations. Sometimes, she even dips them in melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. And me? I’ve been known to “trash them up,” as I like to say, with chopped Reese’s Cups and Reese’s Pieces, adding a burst of peanut butter candy goodness.
But no matter how they’re adorned, every bite of these cookies brings back a rush of memories of my dear Grandpa John. It’s more than just a cookie; it’s a taste of love, laughter, and cherished moments.
Grandma's Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies for Grandpa John
Grandpa John’s Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Makes: Exactly 2 dozen
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons butter flavored Crisco (http://amzn.to/2nQqmZT)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup peanut butter (Grandma uses crunchy Jif (http://amzn.to/2nwe7Rh))
- 1 extra large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white rice flour (http://amzn.to/2nfgPZ7) (you can sub all-purpose gluten free or wheat flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Grandma’s Optional add-ins: dried cranberries, pecans, chocolate chips, etc.
- Optional Reese’s toppings: 1 cup melted chocolate chips and a handful each of Reese’s Cups and Reese’s Pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375ºF (190°C).
- Cream together the Crisco and sugars in a large bowl. Add the peanut butter and beat until well combined. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the white rice flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or cranberries.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough balls, about 1 1/2 inches apart, onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. (Optional: Roll dough balls in granulated sugar before placing on baking sheet). Flatten each cookie slightly with the tines of a fork in a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes for softer cookies, or 7-8 minutes for doughier cookies. Edges should be lightly golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, if desired, dip cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped Reese’s Cups and Reese’s Pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy!
