Italian Pizzelle Using Anise

1. You need a pizzelle iron to make the cookies.
2. These can be found at Safeway or any good Deli or specialty food or cooking store.
3. They are about $50. Whipi the eggs until very frothy.
4. Add the sugar and cream well.
5. Add the melted shortening--be sure it is not hot--and cream well.
6. Add the flavorings and mix well.
7. I use anise oil because the flavor is more intense--use just a little more if you really like a strong anise flavor.
8. Measure half the flour in a very large bowl--8 qt. size or better--add the egg mixture and mix together with a heavy wooden spoon--or any large spoon.
9. Add the remaining half of the flour one cup at a time and mix well.
10. You have added enough flour when the mixture glomps off the spoon and is still a little runny--not real thick.
11. Usually 7 cups of flour is adequate--depends on the weather (really!).
12. Heat up the iron for a few minutes then make the cookies by placing 1 full teaspoon full of the dough in the center of each form.
13. Press closed tightly and cook for about 1 minute.
14. Immediately move the cookie to wax paper to cool.
15. The cookies are very soft at this point and will take the shape of any bumps in the wax paper--so make it smooth.
16. This recipe makes about 14 -20 dozen cookies depending on the size you make them.
17. It can be cut in half easily without losing any flavor.
18. When the cookies are thoroughly cool--crisp--stack them and leave them in the open--do not cover they will become very soft and unappetizing.
19. If you can, do not eat them for about 3 days to a week.
20. The flavor of the anise improves with a few days age. Enjoy.
21. Dianei M. Ferrell * The Polka Dot Palace BBS 1-201-822-3627.