re: Post your favorite Christmas treat recipe thread

Pfeffernusse
(Pepper cookies)

5 eggs beaten
2 cups sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
3 T. lemon juice
1/2 cup candied citron (or candied fruit)
6 cups cake flour (substitute 5 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 3/4 cup cornstarch)
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t black pepper
1/2 t salt
1 T cinnamon
1/2 t cloves
1/2 t nutmeg
1/2 t mace
1/2 cup nuts, finely chopped
3 T Grand Marnier added to batter

Beat eggs well. Add sugar gradually, beating with each addition. Add lemon zest, juice, candied fruits. Sift dry ingredients together and add. Fold in nuts and Grand Marnier. Chill 1 hour. Roll 1/2 inch thick and cut out with a 7/8 inch cutter. Place on a cooking sheet and let stand overnight in a cool place to dry.

Before baking, invert and put a drop of fruit juice or brandy on moist spot and bake upside down. (Tends to make them pop).

Bake in 300 degree oven for 8 minutes. Makes about 200 cookies. Store in a tightly closed container. Let ripen and soften before eating. Can roll in powdered sugar.

Can place an apple slice wrapped in a paper towel into container to help them soften.