1 c. shortening (Crisco)
2 c. white sugar
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. molasses
1/2 tsp. salt
5 c. flour
8 drops anise oil (optional)
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

Cream shortening and sugar; add molasses, buttermilk and spices; mix. Add flour and baking soda. Mix. Dough will be thick, use spoon for flour, etc. Chill the dough well. Form into rolls about 1 inch in diameter; slice 1/2 inch pieces. Bake at 375 degrees about 10 minutes on greased cookie sheets. Cookies are hard and melt in your mouth.