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The Best Poppy Seed Cookies Transformation

The best poppy seed cookies stacked on a plate.

Poppy seed cookies transformation

Not long ago my friend, Steven, told me he was impressed by how I chose to transform my pain rather than transmit it. Not being the deep thinker that he is I have been reflecting on his comment ever since. The blog has certainly been a sacred space to share pain. A room built on grief, but filled with joy, peace and quiet. We are never not broken, but true strength and courage is never about wholeness. It is the ability to face the darkness, adapt and shine a positive light that honors the dear departed. How else could one celebrate a son so loved? 

Baking is a lot like grief. A process with good days and bad. A transformation through fire. A healthy annihilation of ingredients that are broken down and come back stronger. Love made edible…and that has made all the difference.

Best poppy seed cookie bent into taco shell shape.
poppyseed cookies

Today’s recipe celebrates a lovely mom named Linda. Her daughter, Lauren, took the time to privately correspond with me soon after finding the blog last month. Lauren’s letter certainly helps me understand what Steven was trying to tell me. Here is what she wrote: 

Dear Lisa, 

I came across your blog as I have also turned to cooking/baking as a therapeutic way to deal with grief. I lost my mother in January unexpectedly and tragically. My son (her only grandchild) was 8 months old at the time. It has been heartbreaking. I wept when reading that you lost your son (any mother’s greatest fear) but I am so inspired by your journey through grief and finding a healing path that involves celebrating his life through baking! 

I wanted to reach out and say thank you so much for sharing such a raw and vulnerable part of you. I know you have touched many lives through your work. 

Warmly,

Lauren
 

For sure, I wanted to know more about Lauren’s mom. In the words of her sweet daughter:

My mom shared joy and love through food, both cooking and baking. I will cherish memories of time spent in the kitchen together cooking up a feast for family and friends. I saved many of her cookbooks and kitchen items to remind me of her and to feel her presence with me when I cook/bake. 

Blog follower and her child.
Linda and her grandson

Yes, to feel her presence. Thank you, Lauren, for celebrating your mom on Good Grief Cook. It’s an honor to share one of her favorite recipes. Here is the precious recipe in Linda’s hand-writing. (If you follow the blog you know how much I treasure anything hand-written).

Hand-written best poppy seed cookies recipe.

The cookie batter is very thin. I was worried, but the transformation works. These are perfectly crisp, slightly sweet and with lovely layers of flavor. Baking them to the darker golden brown is the way to a crispy cookie. Bake slightly less if you prefer to mold or transform them hot off the baking sheet. I used a level teaspoon for the small crisps and a level tablespoon for the dessert platter size.

Best poppy seed cookies topped with ice cream and strawberries.


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marcie M Ziskind

    September 12, 2019 at 9:41 am

    So beautiful! I’m happy to see that you are still [occasionally] writing.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 12, 2019 at 9:44 am

      Thank you for the continued support. When the spirit moves me I write <3

      Reply
  2. cookinformyboys

    September 12, 2019 at 10:30 am

    What a gift you have given to others in healing your own grief.I love that she sent you the joyful photo of her Mom and that her recipe is handwritten, that’s so special. I look forward to trying this recipe. ❤️

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 12, 2019 at 10:36 am

      It is like no other cookie I have ever baked using oil and ice water. Really crispy and tasty

      Reply
  3. Louis Matino

    September 12, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    What a great feeling it must be to know that you are helping so many others cope with their grief. Thanks for all you do.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 12, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      we are all in it together

      Reply
  4. athomewrebecka

    September 12, 2019 at 12:35 pm

    Your gift to the living cannot be measured; it has a life of its own which transcends the bonds of grief! I can’t tell you how blessed I am to know you and witness your love in action through food. Love you to the moon and back! R

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      you certainly have held me up through so many down times…a great example of what a friend can be…meeting Sherry Gore with you was meant to be

      Reply
  5. Carol Walsh

    September 12, 2019 at 7:52 pm

    You continue to be an inspiration to so many people! Such a touching picture of Lauren’s mom and her adorable grandson. Thank you for sharing her story and recipe. The cookies look wonderful! (I’m buying poppy seeds this weekend and will bake up a batch for my grand-kids in her honor…I think they’ll love them!)

    Reply
  6. Lisa

    September 12, 2019 at 8:29 pm

    I love that you are so willing to support Lauren and celebrate her mom by baking this recipe. You are the best!

    Reply

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