Hartshorn German Christmas Cookies
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INGREDIENTS 2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1-1/8 cup shortening 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon Hartshorn* 1/2 cup boiling water 2 teaspoons vanilla Flour to stiffen 1 ounce anise seeds *Hartshorn can be obtained at your pharmacy. It is ammonium crystals. When using Hartshorn the smell is very strong and be careful when using. Keep a fan running to help the smell. The use of Hartshorn makes a very crisp cookie. Mix sugar, salt, shortening, eggs,and milk. In a separate bowl, dissolve the Hartshorn in the boiling water. Make sure it is completely dissolved. Add vanilla and anise seeds to the sugar mixture. Add hartshorn mixture to sugar mixture. Add enough flour to the sugar mixture to stiffen and not to be sticky. It may require 4 to 5 pounds! Roll out dough on floured surface, and cut with cookie cutters. Bake immediately after mixing in a moderate oven (325 to 350 degrees) 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!