Stage Planks or Rock 'n Roll Pie
Ingredients
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup solid shortening
- 3 cups sifted flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp hot water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Over medium heat in a heavy aluminum pot, melt the molasses, shortening and ginger together. Blend well. When the mixture is thoroughly melted and warm, beat by hand or with a mixer for about ten minutes.
- Dissolve the baking soda in a tablespoonful of boiling water and add to the molasses mixture; mix thoroughly.
- Alternate adding the buttermilk and flour; adding the flour gradually using your judgment, adding just enough (more or less) of the three cups of the sifted flour to make a stiff batter.
- Beat thoroughly and vigorously. Grease several shallow rectangular pans; pour about 2 inches of the mixture into them and bake for ten minutes at 400 degrees. After removing from the oven, cool and cut into rectangular cookies (about 2x4 inches).
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Why is my batter too thin or too thick?
A: The recipe calls for using your judgment when adding flour to make a stiff batter. Start with 2½ cups and add more gradually until the batter is thick but still pourable - similar to a thick brownie batter. Too thin and the cookies won't hold shape; too thick and they'll be dense.
Q: Can I skip beating the mixture for ten minutes?
A: The extended beating time is important for developing the texture and incorporating air into the molasses mixture. This creates a lighter, chewier cookie. Use a stand mixer if you have one to make this easier.
Q: How do I know when they're done baking?
A: At 400°F for 10 minutes, the cookies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They'll firm up as they cool. Don't overbake or they'll be hard instead of chewy.
Tips and Techniques
Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise. The hot water activates it immediately, so work quickly once you add it to the batter. These cookies are great for dunking in coffee or milk, similar to Grandma’s Frosted Molasses Cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions
- buttermilk: regular milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar added
- solid shortening: butter or coconut oil
- molasses: sorghum syrup or dark corn syrup
Equipment Needed
- heavy aluminum pot or saucepan
- hand mixer or stand mixer
- shallow rectangular baking pans (9x13 or similar)
- mixing bowls
Historical Context
Stage Planks and Rock ’n Roll Pies are part of the rich tradition of molasses-based Southern baking that dates back to when molasses was more common than refined sugar. The playful names likely came from the cookies’ rectangular plank-like shape and sturdy, travel-friendly nature.
