Italian Cookies From Angele

My Beloved Italian Cookies: A Recipe Passed Down Through Generations

For over three decades, the aroma of freshly baked Italian cookies has filled my home, a comforting tradition cherished by my family and friends. This recipe isn't just a collection of ingredients; it's a legacy, a testament to simple pleasures and the power of shared moments. It's a recipe that has seen countless holiday gatherings, countless celebrations, and countless happy faces, each bite a delicious memory. More than just cookies, they are a tangible link to my heritage, a sweet taste of home, evoking feelings of warmth, love, and togetherness. They're so simple to make, yet the results are breathtakingly delicious; crispy, buttery morsels of pure joy, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's a certain magic in the way the ingredients combine, transforming into something truly extraordinary. The process itself is meditative, a rhythmic dance of mixing, kneading, and shaping. Each step connects me to generations past, to the women who baked before me, whispering their secrets into the flour and sugar. The anticipation as they bake, the subtle changes in color and aroma, and finally, the irresistible crunch and sweet taste – it's a sensory symphony that I never tire of experiencing. Beyond the culinary aspects, this tradition of baking allows me to connect with my loved ones in a special way. Every Christmas, I find myself sharing these treasured cookies with my family, the delight on their faces a reminder of why I continue this annual tradition. More than a mere baking activity, it becomes a cherished family ritual, a testament to the bonds we share, strengthened by the simple act of baking together and creating something delicious that brings joy to our hearts.

The ingredients are basic, readily available, and surprisingly affordable. The process is straightforward, ideal for even novice bakers. I remember the first time I attempted this recipe – nervously following the steps, hoping for the best. The successful outcome ignited within me a lifelong passion for baking, a journey that has led me to countless kitchens and culinary adventures. But these cookies remain my touchstone, a reminder of where it all began, a symbol of continuity and home. This isn't just a recipe; it's a story, a journey, a tradition.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 dozen eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup shortening, melted
• 1 1-oz bottle anise
• 4 tablespoons baking powder
• 9 cups flour
• 3 lbs confectioners sugar
• 2 teaspoons anise

Step-by-step

• BEAT EGGS, ADD SUGAR, MELTED SHORTENING, OIL AND ANISE.
• ADD BAKING POWDER, SALT AND FLOUR LAST (8-9 CUPS)
• KNEAD LIGHTLY.
• ROLL AND SHAPE DOUGH INTO BALLS OR WHAT EVER SHAPES YOU LIKE.
• BAKE AT 350 FOR 10-12 MINUTES UNTIL LIGHTLY BROWNED.
• ICING - 3 - 4 LBS OF CONFECTIONS SUGAR, 1/2 TO 3/4 CUPS MILK AND ANISE TO FLAVOR.
• I MAKE THIS LIKE A THICK ICING AND DIP MY COOKIES.
• IF THE ICING GETS TO THICK I PUT IT IN THE MICROWAVE FOR A FEW SECONDS AND IT THINS IT OUT TO GLAZE MORE COOKIES.