Anise Cutouts

Anise Cutouts

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp aniseed

In a bowl, cream the shortening and the sugar. Add the eggs and the vanilla. Mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, and the salt. Add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the aniseed. Chill for 2 hours or until the dough is easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325 F for 7-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen