1990 Christmas Collection · Mother’s Cookbook
Princess Gems
Contributed by Janet Newfang.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- ½ cup soft butter or margarine
- 2 teaspoons powdered ammonium carbonate (hartshorn)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 cup shredded coconut, optional
- Confectioners’ sugar, for rolling
Directions
- Cream shortening and butter together.
- Add powdered ammonium carbonate and sugar gradually, creaming well.
- Add flour and optionally coconut. Shape into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes. Roll in confectioners’ sugar while warm.
Kitchen and Family Notes
Hartshorn is a traditional baker's ammonia leavening agent. Its pungent fumes are normal during baking, but it is intended for thin, dry baked goods rather than moist cakes. The original cautions against breathing the fumes. Use food-grade baking ammonia only.
Historical recipe, not newly kitchen-tested.
Original Source
Submitted by Janet Newfang, Old Fashioned Christmas Recipes, Timesaver Shopping Guide, December 11, 1990, page 27.