A Cookie By Another Name
This post is based on something not just years but decades old. My mom's sister, our aunt and my godmother, was an exceptional talent in the kitchen.
I remember as a child asking for a cherry pie rather than a cake for my birthday because I knew where it might come from. I was right then. Unfortunately, my aunt is no longer with us but thanks to my sister one of her recipes still exists.
A funny story, at least funny in our family, is the name of this recipe which remains a holiday favorite. For the longest time, actually until fairly recently, this treat was known around our house as Anna's Cookies. Anna, was my uncle's sister, my Aunt's sister-in-law. Although not a direct relative of ours, I remember her and her husband, Sam - as a very nice couple who we would see on occasion but not on a regular basis. The cookies associated with her oh so tasty.
It’s been about a year since I had a bite, okay - more than a bite. Only recently, I learned they were not Anna's Cookies but anise cookies named for one of the ingredients. A truly OMG moment that certainly caused a family chuckle. Okay, so here's the recipe:
Anise Cookies(Previously known as Anna's Cookies)
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
Anise seeds *
Beat eggs and sugar for 10 minutes
Add flour, mix well
Add Anise extract(see * below)
Pour mixture into a 13 x 9 cake pan,
Spread evenly in pan.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
Carefully remove from pan and cut into rows of cookies(approximately 1x4 inches(biscotti size) and place on a cookie sheet,
Put cookie sheet back in oven and bake for 5 minutes on each side,
If you want a softer cookie, decrease time to 3 minutes each side.
Cool and eat.
Makes approximately 24 cookies
Since I am not a baker, the email sent by my sister in response to my inquiry request, was at first kinda brief.
My sister noted there was no mention of the quantity/measurement of Anise* - A rather key ingredient so my sister guesses it's a preference and she thought maybe 1-2 teaspoons.
After searching two stores, I found a bottle of pure anise extract so I think I am prepared to experiment. Anybody ready? I am not so sure, I am but I’m willing to try later this week. After all, there is no need to rush creativity, right?
This is a post for the December 2020 ActiveRain Challenge Holiday Fun and Cheer hosted by Anna Banana Kruchten CRS CRB, Phoenix Broker and Carol Williams.
The image in this post is from canstockphoto.com.
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