1 pt. molasses
1 pt. light corn syrup
1 lb. light brown sugar
1 c. butter
1 c. lard
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. allspice
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 1/2 tsp. ground anise
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs, well beaten
16 c. sifted flour (5 lbs.)
2 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda

Heat molasses, syrup and brown sugar with butter and lard until melted and blended. Cool slightly, and stir in pepper, spices and salt. Add eggs. Beat sifted dry ingredients in gradually. Cover and let stand overnight. Roll into balls about the size of marbles. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. Store in cloth bags in a cool dry place to ripen for several weeks.

3/4 c. rich milk
1/2 c. sugar

Boil together for 8 minutes and beat 1 minute. Add a few drops of oil of anise and cool. With a pastry brush, brush on baked peper and drop in bag with powdered sugar. Or just roll in powdered sugar, I do.