Woody Gutherie Benefit Concert Is A Success.

Thanks to the wonderful local musicians who donated their time and talents and to a generous audience, the Woody Gutherie 100th Birthday Celebration and Benefit Concert was a huge success.

We raised nearly $4000 for Hunger Ministries at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and had a great time in the process.

We really couldn't have picked a better day. It's raining today in Portland but yesterday for the concert the weather was absolutely perfect.

I also want to thank the volunteers who worked to help set up the venue, sell posters and serve food to the crowd. We couldn't have done it without you!

A large crowd gathers in the courtyard of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

Artist Gary Houston donated his services and created this poster just for the event.

Corin Tucker Band performing for the crowd.

Homemade cookies for the crowd. Clockwise from top left: Rice Crispie Treat, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Pioneer Date Bar, Oatmeal Raisin, Brownie, Chocolate Chip, Chewy Coconut Cranberry and Chewy Ginger Cookie. We also had gluten free chocolate chip cookies and brownies available.

Flag toothpicks are a nice addition. My daughter found them for a bargain at the local Cash 'n' Carry store. A box of 144 toothpicks for .78 cents!

Chewy Ginger Cookies

These Chewy Ginger Cookies are what I think Woody Guthrie had in mind when he said, "Cookies speak louder than words."

I'm not kidding, this is a real quote and Woody speaks the truth.

That's why I'm making them to serve at his 100th Birthday Celebration and benefit concert tomorrow at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (147 NW 19th Avenue, Portland, Oregon).

The concert starts at 7 p.m. and is free. All donations go directly to Trinity's Hunger Ministries which supports hunger programs in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank.

These cookies are especially good with a cup of tea. They are spicy, chewy, dense and they really satisfy.

Chewy Ginger Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
2 3/4 cups flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
extra sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together butter, shortening and sugar. Add egg, molasses, cinnamon and ginger. Mix well.

Add baking soda and salt. Mix again.

Add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.

Form 1-inch balls of dough and dip into sugar. Place sugar side up on a sheet pan leaving 2-inches between the cookies.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies form cracks and become golden brown.

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before removing them to cooling racks.