Bizcochitos (The New Mexico State Cookie)
Contributed by Susan
Source: New Mexico Magazine, February 2000

This is New Mexico's traditional cookie. They are made throughout the
year, so that the cookie jar is never empty and the children never
disappointed. They are cut with plain or fancy cookie cutters. They can
be cut into squares and the corners pinched to that they form a
flowerette. The children often help decorate them with icing of
different colors. Red and green are the favorite colors at
Christmastime. For Valentine's Day, they are cut into hearts and also
carefully decorated.

2 c. pure lard or shortening
1 1/4 c. sugar
3 egg yolks or 2 whole eggs
2 T. vanilla
2 t. anise seed
6 c. sifted flour
3 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1/4 c. water and 7 T. wine or all water

Cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add anise seed and
beaten egg yolks. Soft flour, baking powder and salt together. Add to
mixture. Add water and mix well. Roll out and cut with fancy cookie
cutters. Sprinkle with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes
aout 10 dozen small cookies.