Anise Italian Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) margarine, softened

¾ cup sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 (2-ounce) bottle anise or lemon extract

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Small amount of half-and-half

Few drops of vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl cream together the margarine and sugar. Add the flour and baking powder and mix until crumbly. Add the eggs. Stir in the anise or lemon extract. Mix well. Drop the dough by teaspoonsful onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

In a small bowl combine the confectioners’ sugar with the half-and-half and vanilla. (The mixture should be thin but not runny.) Brush the warm cookies with the topping.

Makes 3 dozen cookies

Dolores Russo, Queen Dee Dee
Salty Belles of Winthrop,
Winthrop, Massachusetts