Ingredients
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups shortening
9 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk (approx)
2 lbs flour
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 oz anise extract
Frosting
1 lb powdered sugar
1 tablespoon extract
water
chocolate jimmies (optional)
food coloring (optional)
Directions
For cookies:
Mix flour, shortening sugar and baking powder well, add eggs and half the milk, and mix well.
Add flavoring and knead dough until silky, adding remainder of milk as needed.
Roll and cut into desired shapes.
Bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees F) for 10 to 15 minutes.
For frosting:
Mix sugar and extract, adding enough water to blend easily.
Frost cookies when cool.
For variety, add a food coloring to the frosting, or sprinkle with colored sugar, chocolate jimmies, etc.
Notes
This recipe was taken from "The Complete Italian Cook Book: La Cucina" by Rose L. Sorce. It was published by Grosset & Dunlap in 1953. For the entire copyright-free cookbook see www.archive.org.... Photo: Mary Melfi. | 
