2 c. sugar
2 c. dark molasses
2 c. butter
3 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cardamom (sometimes hard to find but you can do without)
1 tsp. anise oil or 2 tsp. anise extract
1/2 c. hot water
3 tsp. baking soda
11 to 12 c. plain flour

Place the sugar, molasses, butter in a saucepan and boil, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Cool mixture. Pour cooled sugar mixture into a very large bowl. Add beaten eggs and spices and mix. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to mix. Gradually add flour while mixing. Dough needs to be very stiff.

Chill dough thoroughly. Roll small amounts of dough into pencil shapes and cut off 1/4 inch pieces. Place pieces on cookie sheets (without touching each other) and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Makes 1 gallon.