Shrewsbury "cake" from Eutaw Plantation, 1808

This recipe for what we would call cookies was derived from an original used for a wedding at Eutaw Plantation near Eutawville, SC in 1808 and is a modern version created by a family member of the originator of the recipe almost 200 years later. It was posted in "Epiphany Entertains" a cookbook from the Episcopal Church in Eutawville published several years ago. She suggests looking for the rosewater at a store that sells aroma-therapy products.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Yields: 124 cookies

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 2  eggs
• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons rose water
• 4  teaspoons  oil
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons cinnamon
• 4  cups flour

Directions

1. In an electric mixer combine the butter, eggs, sugar, rosewater, and oil. Add the cinnamon and flour, mixing thoroughly to form a stiff dough.
2. Divide the dough into 3 parts and form each of these into a 12 inch long triangular log. Wrap these in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
3. The next day when you are ready to bake these "cakes", cut the logs into thin 1/8 to 1/4 inch slices, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes.