Biscochitos

I love the whole anise seeds and the slightly buttery flavor of these "biscos", traditional Christmas cookies in my home state of New Mexico.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Yields: 48 biscochitos

Ingredients

• 6  cups flour (or enough to make dough easy to handle but not dry)
• 3  teaspoons baking powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  tablespoon  whole anise seed
• 1  cup  white  lard
• 1  cup butter
• 2  eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1⁄4 cups white sugar
• 1  tablespoon cinnamon
• 5  teaspoons brandy or 5  teaspoons sweet wine or 5  teaspoons water or 5  teaspoons  brandy flavoring or 5  teaspoons vanilla

• To top cookies

• 1⁄4 cup white sugar
•  enough cinnamon, to darken

Directions

1. Cream lard and butter.
2. Add sugar and beat until fluffy.
3. Add eggs, anise seed, salt, baking powder and brandy, mix.
4. Add flour gradually, til dough is firm, shape into a log and wrap in clear wrap.
5. Chill, then slice in 3/4" slices.
6. Mix cinnamon sugar, press uncooked cookie slice into mixture to coat one side and flatten slightly.
7. Bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned.