Peppernuts!

This is a Jantz family tradition. My grandmother, Dorothy, used to make these every year. My mother made them as well, and now that I'm in charge of the Christmas baking, I'm making them too. I've never had them anywhere but at my house! :)

Peppernuts

1/2 c. butter

2 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 t. baking soda (dissolved in 1 1/2 t. hot water)

2 1/2-3 c. flour

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. mace

1/2 t. cloves

1/2 t. nutmeg

1/2 t. anise extract

1/2 c. finely chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs. Add soda and water. Stir in dry ingredients. Chill dough. (Can be kept up to two weeks) Roll into 3/8” snakes. Flour board as needed. Slice thinly and bake on a cookie sheet at 350˚ for about 8 minutes.