Desserts:

Peppernuts

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This recipe was my mother-in-law's, Mary Dresselhaus, who passed away at the age of 91 in November 2002. I believe she got the recipe from her mother-in-law, Caroline Dresselhaus. Every Christmas I make the peppernuts and everybody in the family (young and old) and also friends love them. Since my husband is German, I have to carry on the tradition and make something German. I am 100 percent Norwegian so I also make Norwegian goodies at Christmas. I believe it is important to carry on the traditions of your heritage.

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1 egg
1 cup sorghum
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon water
3 tablespoons anise seed
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
4-1/2 to 5 cups flour

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream sugar, egg and butter with a mixer; add sorghum, soda, water, anise seed, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Mix well. Add the required amount of flour so the dough is not sticky to roll out. (If it sticks to your hands when you roll it out, you need to add more flour). Mix well. Roll out dough with your hands it should be pencil thin and the length of a pencil. Wrap in wax paper; refrigerate overnight. the next day, cut the dough approximately 1/2-inch long pieces. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Makes hundreds of little hard and crunchy peppernuts.

Elizabeth "Betty" Dresselhaus
Davenport