Peppernuts

Pfeffernusse or Peppernuts are traditional German Christmas cookies. This recipe was submitted by Waitsburg resident Joan Helm in memory of her mother-in-law Aleda Helm.

"It is a family favorite," said Helm.

Ingredients:

½ lb butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup molasses

½ cup dark Karo syrup

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

½ tsp cloves

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

½ tsp edible oil of anise

1 tsp baking soda

5 cups flour

1 ½ cups finely chopped walnuts

Directions:

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, and mix well. Then add molasses, syrup, and oil of anise. Sift dry ingredients together. Add ½ to the first mixture, add the nuts, and then the remaining dry ingredients. (You may need to add a little more flour).

Let the dough age in the refrigerator for two weeks, tightly covered. Take a handful of dough and form into long strips, a little thicker than a pencil, by rolling the dough between the palms of your hands. Freeze strips overnight. Slice ¼ inch slices off strips while they are still frozen. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes.  Must watch!