In case there's some interest, this is the recipe I adapted for the anise cut-out cookies.
In case there's some interest, this is the recipe I adapted for the anise cut-out cookies. My mom has an ancient first edition copy of Betty Crocker's Cooky [sic] Book from whence it comes. (It was published in 1963.) The specific recipe is called "Ethel's Sugar Cookies". This is the original recipe but I did as noted below. 3/4 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/2 tsp lemon flavoring or 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cups Gold Medal Flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt Mix shortening, sugar, eggs, and flavoring thoroughly. Measure flour by dipping method or by sifting. Stir flour, baking powder, and salt together; blend in. Chill at least 1 hr. Heat oven to 400 degrees (mod. hot). Roll dough 1/8" thick on lightly floured board. Cut with 3" cooky [sic] cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 6 to 8 min., or until cookies are a delicate golden color. Makes about 4 doz. cookies. Note: Do not use Gold Medal Self-Rising Flour in this recipe. I made the followi...