Pizzelles

12 Days of (Christmas) Cookies

Day 12

Pizzelles

I am very sad to announce that today is the last day of my 12 Days of (Christmas) Cookies. I have had so much fun doing all of this baking; however, I am a happy to be free of the degree of commitment this venture has required. Every year, my mother-in-law makes Pizzelles and they are one of the very few sweets that my husband enjoys. Thanks to her allowing me to borrow her Pizzelle maker, I was able to make these for the first time. The recipe I used came with the Pizzelle maker. Next time, I will add finely chopped nuts and maybe even play around with some food coloring to make them pretty. How pretty would they be if they were sprinkled with colored decorating sugar?

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c shortening
• 2/3 c sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 3/4 to 2 c flour (I used exactly 1 3/4 c)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

• Beat the shortening until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and beat well.
• Add eggs one at a time and the vanilla.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add it to the creamed mixture. The dough will be sticky and soft.
• Place a rounded teaspoonful of batter in the center of each design on the bottom plate. Close the top and squeeze the two handles together to flatten the batter. Cook for approximately 30 seconds. Discard the first two Pizzelles, as they have absorbed the excess cooking oil. After this, the Pizzelles can be cooked for 20 to 30 seconds, or timed to your individual preference.
• Remove Pizzelles by lifting out with a fork.
• Enjoy!