Pizzelle, A Classic Italian Treat

Pizzelle (pronounced purtsell), are a classic Italian cookie. They are light, thin and pressed with an intricate pattern; you will need a Pizzelle iron to make these. There is a mild licorice flavor from the anise seeds. They have been a treat in our family for generations. Pizzelle is plural, the word for one cookie is Pizzella. They are popular during the holidays and at Italian weddings.

Pizzelle

• 1/2 lb margarine, melted but not hot
• 6 eggs beaten
• 1/8 cup anise seeds
• 1 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 cups flour

Preheat Pizzelle iron. Mix all ingredients together well. You may do this by hand or use the large paddle on your electric mixer on low. On a pizzelle iron that has 2 large sections place 1 heaping Tbsp. batter on iron and close for about 1 minute. Remove cookies and repeat process until dough is used. If they stick wipe clean with a paper towel and spray iron with cooking spray, you should only have to do this once.