Farmer Boy Recipe - Special Valentine Cookies

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  This is traditionally a day to lavish some sort of extra show of love on your sweetheart.  The day was originally established to honor St. Valentine, a martyred Christian.  It originally didn't have anything to do with love or cards, or candy & sweets, or flowers.  But, somehow that became the main focus.  It wasn't till the early 19th century that paper Valentines became the rage.  I guess today the young people would send text messages; like: "I luv U" or something!  I can't get used to that!  I'm too traditional.  Of course, not having a sweety to tweety to, I don't have to be concerned about it :)
But I encourage you, if you have someone, by all means - do something special for them.  Now, you should be doing something special for them all the time - but if you want, help the economy by sending them something.  And if you want to help your relationship, do it more than just one day a year!

Here's a recipe that you could make for your sweetheart.  It is made with anise, which is supposed to be an aphrodisiac (if they need that type of thing).  Anyway, they're easy to make and they taste delicious!

Farmer Boy Love Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup of shortening (I prefer butter flavored)
• 1 Cup of sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 Cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 Tablespoon of anise seed (crushed or ground)

Directions: In a bowl, cream the shortening and sugar.  Add the eggs and vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking powder and salt, and add it to the mixture.  Stir in the anise seed.  Cover the bowl and place it into the refrigerator for a couple hours.   On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch.  Cut with a cookie cutter (any shape will do - I like to use the 2 1/2 inch heart).  Place onto an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake for 10 - 12 minutes (till only light golden).  Remove and cool on the sheet pan for a couple minutes, then transfer to wire rack.  This recipe makes about 3 dozen.

I assume no responsibilities for unexpected expectancies :)

If this works for you, let us know, by leaving a comment here.  Thanks.  The Old Man in the Bib Overalls