Italian PIzzelles

See Santa....I told you I already have everything I need.....

For me, this cookie equals Christmas. The smell of anise spreading through the house completely makes me feel like a little kid....but also makes me want to run home to Ohio for the holiday as well.

As a child, it was my job to sit on a rickety old stool from my Dad's workshop and cook these every year. I had a few burned fingers over the years, but being able to lick the raw dough off those fingers made it all worth it.
If my pizzelle iron looks a little worn...well, it is! It was my grandmother's and I love telling my kids that their favorite Christmas cookies came from their great-grandmother's iron. It makes our family seem much closer than the 1,000 miles away that they are!

Italian Pizzelles

6 eggs

1 1/2 C sugar

1 C melted butter

2 T anise flavoring

3 3/4 C flour

4 tsp baking powder

1. In the bowl of your mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs on high for 10 minutes. Gradually add the sugar and beat well. Add the anise, baking powder and melted butter. Beat. Switch to your paddle attachment and add flour. Mix until combined.

2. Heat your pizzelle iron until hot. Using a level 1 1/2" scoop, place batter onto iron, close the iron and cook until done, about 1 minute. Remove and place on a flat surface to cool.