My nonna's 98th birthday cake
And a cookie version for you
A few weeks ago my nonna celebrated her 98th birthday with a tiara on her head and a table full of “her new friends.”
As a loved one’s memory fades, it’s so common to wonder whether they still recognize you. This was my first time seeing her when I knew she wouldn’t know my name anymore. Prepare yourself, I’d been told, it might be hard.
In recent years, she had grown suspicious of anyone she didn’t know (a common symptom of dementia), so I worried whether I’d now be someone she’d be wary of and unfriendly to. But at least right now, since everyone is a stranger, everyone could also be family. Everyone’s name is “dear” and we’re greeted with warmth, openness, and a kiss on both cheeks.
She and I may not have shared memories anymore, but choosing to live in her world for a day is really fun, one filled with childlike wonder, constant new experiences, and awe. “Can you believe they waited this long to tell me I had a granddaughter?” she told one nurse. “Incredible!”
She is still curious (“have you been to Roma?”) and snarky (“those fake orchids look so fake”). And she still really loves chocolate (“health food”). So for her birthday cake torte, I made the olive oil brownies from Yossy’s book Snacking Bakes in a round pan with walnuts, cherries, and malt powder. You’ll have to get the book for the brownies (worth it), but Yossy kindly made a cookie version to share with you today. Just like the brownies, they’re chocolatey, fudgy, pudgy, and pleasantly bitter. My nonna would eat the whole batch if no one was looking.
Chocolate Olive Oil Cookies
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