Like many others, I grew up with these cookies, but didn't eat them because my family made them with anise. Although I do like licorice I don't care for the anise flavor, so when I began making them over 30 years ago, I used vanilla instead of anise. We make them every Christmas, and we give them away by the dozens (they are always happily received!). My iron does not have a non stick finish, so we spray it for the first batch and then are ok throughout the cooking. We have found that it is important to keep the temperature constant as possible and to be sure the cookie is cooked to avoid sticking (you develop a "feel" for the time with experience). A special favorite is to roll them into a cone shape and use as a base for ice cream or custard with fresh fruit topping. light and delicious.

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