Gram's Anisette Cookies

Some of my fondest memories from childhood include baking cookies with my Gram. Whether it was oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, or molasses, she kept track of everyone's favorites, no easy task for a woman that raised six children and helped raise 16 grandchildren.

For my wedding shower, my Aunt Sandi laminated dozens of my Gram's cookie recipes. I just love pulling down my recipe box and looking at her neat, cursive handwriting, appreciating the little tips and tricks she noted in the margins. And for a short time we are together again...

Ingredients:
For the cookies
1/2 c. Butter
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. Anise extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 c. Sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 c. Flour
1 tsp. Cream of tartar

For the topping:
1 c. Confectioner sugar
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp milk
Food coloring optional

Cream butter and sugar. Add anise extract, baking soda, salt and cream of tartar. Mix in eggs. Slowly mix in flour. Drop batter by teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes in 350 degree oven. Do NOT let cookies brown. Let cool.

To make topping combine confectioner's sugar, butter, food coloring and milk on stovetop. Heat and whisk until smooth, only about 3 minutes. Dip cooled cookies in mixture.