MENNONITE BLACK PEPPER COOKIES

Steps:

• Melt butter or margarine in medium saucepan.
• Add sugar, syrup, and vinegar.
• Bring mixture just to boiling.
• Immediately remove pan from heat; cool to room temperature.
• Stir in egg.
• Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, the 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, cloves, pepper and anise seed in a medium bowl: (note if using anise extract instead of seed add it to the cooled butter/sugar mixture from the first step instead) Stir into egg mixture; mix well to form dough.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight for flavors to blend and so that dough is firm enough to roll.
• Divide dough into four portions.
• Keep portions chilled until ready to roll.
• On lightly floured surface roll one portion very thin (less than 1/8 inch thick).
• Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
• Place on a greased cookie sheet.
• Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
• Bake in a 375ºF oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until barely brown around the edges.
• Immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool.
• Repeat with remaining portions of dough.
• Store in covered tins.