1/2 c Butter or margarine

1 c Light brown sugar*

2 Eggs

1 ts Vanilla

1/2 ts Lemon extract

1/2 ts Anise extract

2 3/4 c Sifted flour

1 ts Baking powder

1/2 ts Salt

1/2 ts Black pepper

1/4 ts Nutmeg

1/4 ts Cloves

1/8 ts Mace

Confectioners sugar * firmly packed Just the smell of these cookies baking is enough to get you in the holiday spirit. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter with brown sugar. Beat eggs and extracts. In another bowl, add sifted flour and mix baking powder, salt, pepper and spices. Gradually add flour butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Chill 2 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 375ø. Shape dough with two teaspoons into ovals and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes. Carefully remove cookies from baking sheets to wire racks and sprinkle with confectioners sugar. Cool and store in airtight containers. These cookies keep well and mellow with age. They're their best about 5-8 days after baking.

Yield: about 5 dozen.

Martina Boudreau, St. Louis, MO Randy Shearer