cactus cookies ingredients 1/2 cup shortening 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons anise seed, crushed 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg yolk 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 recipe Powdered Sugar Icing Food coloring Purchased decorator icing __In some parts of the country, a Christmas tree may be a cactus strung with lights. To show off the anise seed cactus needles in these cookies, simply decorate with lights and flowers of _frosting. Prep: 35 minutes Chill: 1 to 2 hours Bake: 6 to 8 minutes 1. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, anise seed, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg yolk, milk, and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. 2. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle. 3. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2-1/2- to 3-inch cactus- shaped cookie cutter, cut out dough. Or, trace a cactus shape on paper and cut out; place the paper pattern on dough and cut around it with a sharp knife. Place cutouts on an ungreased cookie sheet. 4. Bake in a 375dg oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. 5. When cookies are cool, divide Powdered Sugar Icing and tint a generous portion with green food coloring. Spread green icing on top of baked cookies. Tint remaining icing with red, purple, and yellow food coloring and use to pipe on a string of lights. Using red and green tinted decorator icing and a star tip, pipe a few flowers and leaves on each cactus; add a dot of frosting in the opposite color to the center of each flower, if desired. Makes about 30 (2-1/2- to 3-inch) cookies. _Powdered _Sugar _Icing: In a medium mixing bowl stir together 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon orange extract, and 2 tablespoons milk. Stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make icing of piping consistency. Merry Christmas Angelique
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