Hartshorn German Christmas Cookies

2 c Sugar

1/2 ts Salt

1 1/8 c Shortening

2 Eggs

1 c Milk

1 tb Hartshorn ***

1/2 c Boiling water

2 ts Vanilla

Flour to stiffen 1 oz Anise seeds

* Hartshorn can be obtained at your pharmacy. It is ammonium crystals 1. Mix sugar, salt, shortening, eggs,and milk. 2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the Hartshorn in the boiling water. Make sure it is completely dissolved. 3. Add vanilla and anise seeds to the sugar mixture.

4. Add hartshorn mixture to sugar mixture.

5. Add enough flour to the sugar mixture to stiffen

and not to be sticky. It may require 4-5 pounds! 6. Roll out dough on floured surface, and cut with

cookie cutters. 7. Bake immediately after mixing in a moderate oven (325-350F) for 10-15 minutes.

This entire recipe will make between 180-220 cookies. One half the recipe is suggested (up to 100 cookies). But, they are great!