Anise cookies are a wonderful Christmas cookie to make and bake with you children or for a Christmas cookie exchange. Roll out the dough, cut into holiday shapes with cookie cutters, bake and decorate if desired. This makes a good sized batch so there is enough for sampling, saving for guests or giving as gifts.

Before you know it Christmas will be upon us so don't forget to have some fun with your children during this busy time of the year. Baking cookies is a good learning activity that's fun and delicious.

Ingredients: 1 2/3 Cups Sugar 1 Cup Shortening 2 Eggs 1/2 Cup Milk 1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda 3 teaspoons Watkins Anise Extract 5 1/2 Cups Flour  Directions: Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add milk, baking soda, and anise extract. Mix well. Gradually add  flour. Chill dough for about 1 hour. Roll out 1/2 of dough at a time, keeping remainder of dough chilled. Cut into desired shapes and place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes. Makes about 6 dozen. Anise extract is available here in the US catalog or the Canadian catalog.