2 1/2 cups shortening (use butter!!!)
2 cups white sugar, divided
1 teaspoon anise seed, ground
2 eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 tablespoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Beat shortening,cup sugar and anise in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add orange juice; beat until light and fluffy.
Combine flour, baking powder, cream of tarter and salt in separate large bowl. Gradually beat into shortening mixture to form dough.
Knead dough on lightly floured surface. Form dough into two discs; wrap in plastic wrap. refrigerate 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Working with one disc at a time, roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4 - 1/2 inch (your preference) thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Gently press dough trimming together ; re-roll and cut out more cookies. Place on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake 5-12 minutes (depends on your thickness) or until light brown. Combine remaining 1 cup of sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Sprinkle warm cookies with cinnamon sugar. Cool Completely on wire racks.
Makes 5 Dozen
Best Recipes October 2011 Page 96
