Blue ribbon baker

BY David Wilcox / The Citizen

Thursday, January 10, 2008 11:51 AM EST

Pineapple cookies have been a part of Linda Jones' holidays as long as she can remember.
Sam Tenney / The Citizen
Wal-Mart employee Linda Jones, poses in the kitchen of her Auburn home with a blue ribbon she won for her pineapple cookies recipe, that is featured in the 2008 “Wal-Mart Family Cookbook.”
“It's been a tradition every year, with the children and grandchildren,” Jones said.

Jones can't recall the origin of the recipe. She believes it was handed down from her mother, but hesitates to say so with certainty.

Regardless of where it came from, the recipe is headed for the homes of cooks across the country. The 2008 “Wal-Mart Family Cookbook” features Jones' confection alongside 67 other creations from the chain's workers in the Northeast.

Jones submitted the recipe after seeing pamphlets seeking original recipes at Auburn Wal-Mart, where she works.

Along with this tropical treat, she submitted recipes for strawberry shortcut cake - a strawberry dish with a marshmallow crust of sorts - and peanut butter balls - a mix of Rice Crispies, chocolate and peanut butter.

For having her recipe chosen from among thousands of submissions, Jones was sent a blue ribbon and a free copy of the cookbook. As part of the selection process, the cookbook panel of professional home economists prepared the recipe and photographed it for the final product, which is currently for sale at the chain. Jones was also the only Auburn Wal-Mart employee to see their recipe published.

“I was happy and surprised,” Jones said.

Jones makes two batches of the fruit treat every holiday season. They are one product of a larger baking tradition that also includes chocolate chip pudding and peanut butter candy.

“All of the family likes to come in and bake,” Jones said.

Through all her years of preparing the cookies, she hasn't altered the recipe in any way. She sees it as a somewhat healthy alternative to other desserts.

“With the pineapple in it, it's better than having chocolate in there,” she said.

Pineapple cookies are one example of Jones' passion for creativity in the kitchen. She often seeks new recipes that challenge her culinary skills.

Though she acknowledges she isn't the only person to bake them, she's pleased to see her family enjoy them every holiday.

After they have enjoyed their share, Jones passes many of her confections on to family, such as her daughter, Tracey.

“I take them to work and pass them out to friends,” Tracey said. “They love them; they always want more.”

With the book's publication, many more people can enjoy Jones' pineapple cookies. She also hopes to enjoy them more often in the next few years.

“I plan on retiring,” she said. “And baking a lot more.”

If you read

What: 2008 “Wal-Mart Family Cookbook”

Who: Featuring Linda Jones' recipe for pineapple cookies

Publisher: Wal-Mart

Cost: $4.96, spiral bound

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