When I taste anise flavoring, it makes me think of these Christmas cookies. My mother would make huge batches and we'd spend snowy Illinois afternoons spreading butter frosting on the various holiday cutout shapes and decorating with sprinkles. When I think about my mom during the holidays, it's hard not to recall this family ritual:
Mom's Anise Cookies
2 Cups Sugar
1/2 Cup Shortening or Butter
Blend together
Add 2 Eggs, mix well.
In separate bowl (large), dissolve 1/2 Tablespoon of Baking Soda and 1/2 Tablespoon White Vinegar in 3/4 Cup Milk.
Add Anise Flavoring to Taste - about 1/4 Teaspoon
Stir in 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder and enough Flour to make a soft dough (about 6 Cups)
Roll out on a floured surface and cut with holiday cookie cutters.
Bake at 400 degrees until slightly puffed and just barely tanned on top.
Makes about 11 dozen cookies.
(These can be stored in a closed container for days awaiting icing and decorating.)
Note: My only version of this recipe is on stained and handwritten note cards. It's wonderful (and a little sad) to see my mother's handwriting after all these years.
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