1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
4 eggs
4 tsp. baking powder
4 c. flour
1 1/2 to 2 tsp. anise extract (or 1 tsp. anise oil)

ICING:

2 c. confectioners' sugar
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Milk

Cream butter with sugar; add eggs and continue beating until fluffy. Mix in the flour, baking powder and anise. Roll like a sausage. Cut off 3- or 4-inch pieces; shape and twist into wreaths or any desired shape. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Ice when cool.

Icing: Mix confectioners' sugar with butter and vanilla. Add milk to reach desired spreading consistency.