Hermit Cookies

I'm from New York City, so the only kind of hermit I knew was a reclusive woman to whom we brought food, books and other things when I was a kid. This Hermit Cookie recipe, however, is a New England specialty. I have no idea where the name comes from unless it's from the Hermit Crab. Perhaps, it comes from the somewhat reserved, really it's more like shy, nature of many New Englanders. They just don't like to interfere. Anyway, Hermit Cookies are fragrant with spices. I found them a bit overwhelming, so I toned mine down and changed some of the ingredients. The idea of a delicious Hermit is to make it truly your own according to your taste preferences. Add your spices, tack on your family name, and you've got an instant family tradition!