ANISE COOKIES

Prep Time: 1 Hour
Yields: 42 Cookies

Comment:
These cookies can be challenging to make, but they have such a light texture that they are worth trying. The cookies are similar to meringues, but have the unique essence of freshly crushed anise seeds.

Ingredients:
1 tsp pure anise extract
6 eggs
3 cups sugar
4½ cups flour

Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 2 (9" x 13") cookie sheets and set aside. In an electric mixer, combine eggs and sugar. Mix on high speed 30 minutes. This mixing time is essential. Reduce speed to low and add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all is used. Add anise extract and blend 1 minute. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down sides of bowl to ensure that flour is well mixed. Drop cookie batter onto greased pans in teaspoon-sized portions. Bake 15–20 minutes or until cookies are light brown on outer edges and have a cream-colored center. Cookies will become hard if baked too long. Store in an airtight container to retain freshness.