Sesame-Anise Melts

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup lard, softened (no substitute)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon anise seed, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon anise extract*
• About 1 cup sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking soda; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat lard, sugar, anise seed and salt until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg. Stir in flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time, blending well after each addition.
5. Place sesame seeds in a medium bowl. Divide dough in quarters; return all but one portion to refrigerator. With floured hands, roll rounded teaspoons of dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in sesame seed coating, all sides. Arrange balls 1 1/2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten balls to about 1/4 inch thickness. Repeat with remaining dough.
6. Bake for 6 to 9 minutes, or until browned around edges.
7. Cool on racks.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature 10 days, freeze for longer storage.

Notes

* Can use 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel and 1 teaspoon lemon extract or a few drops of lemon oil.

Store carefully as these cookies are very fragile.