Foreign
Christmas Cookies

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons anise seeds, crushed
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl until thick and lemon colored; gradually add sugar and butter. Continue beating 10 minutes; stir in anise.

Combine flour and baking powder in a medium mixing bowl; stir well. Add to egg mixture; stirring well.

Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a floured cookie mold or springerle rolling pin to imprint dough. Separate cookie squares, using a knife. Place 2 inches apart on well-greased cookie sheets. Let stand. uncovered, in a cool, dry place 12 hours or overnight to set design.

Bake at 300° for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets, and cool on wire racks. Store in airtight containers.

Yield: about 4 1/2 dozen.

---

---

---

---