Williston’s Cookie King? Cuzin Earl Takes the Title

Did You Know This About Cousin Earl Gross? 

You probably know him as a radio announcer and a radio engineer, but there are four things you might not know about my co-worker Cuzin Earl Gross. 

4. Amateur Radio Operator

Since 1976, Earl has been a licensed amateur radio operator, Extra Class AB0XD. He’s passionate about radio in all forms and it shows. 

3. Motorcycle Rider

Earl has been riding for 13 years and owns a 2014 Harley Davidson Soft Tail Deluxe. He’s a proud member of the CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association), and every Wednesday night from the end of April to September, he rides to a different town with the group to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. 

2. Guitar Player

Earl picked up the guitar at age 12 and has been playing ever since. He’s taught beginner guitar lessons on and off for the past 25 years and currently plays in his church’s praise team every Sunday morning. 

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1. Star Baker

Move over Paul Hollywood! Earl recently entered his molasses sugar cookies in the Upper Missouri Valley Fair’s baking contest and took home a Grand Champion purple ribbon. He’s been perfecting this recipe for the past year. 

Earl’s Award-Winning Molasses Sugar Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups shortening

• 2 1/4 cups brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup molasses

• 4 cups flour

• 4 tsp baking soda

• 4 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tsp cloves

• 2 tsp ginger

• 1/2 tsp salt

(Read More: Who Baked It Best? Williston Fair Pie Contest Winners Revealed!) 

Instructions:
Mix the shortening, brown sugar, eggs, molasses, and spices.
Stir in the flour and baking soda.(optional: let dough cool overnight in refrigerator)
Form into cookies and place on a baking sheet. 
Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.

Earl’s been part of the radio scene since 1967 and he’s still going strong! You can hear him every weekday at 11a on the Trading Post on 660 KEYZ News Radio, and Monday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. with me on Dakota Country 96.1 during the Big Butt Morning Show.

(Read More: Scott Haugen Receives Top Honor At Stars of Williston)