EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Ingredients

12 tbsp butter, softened
12 tbsp lard, softened
2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
about 15 cups flour
1 tbsp ground mace
2 tbsp ground cloves
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
4 cups molasses, warmed
2 tbsp grated lemon peel
3/4 cup brandy
2 tbsp baking soda
1/4 cup milk

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the butter and lard
and cream with the sugar. Add flour to bowl.

2. Mix mace, cloves and cinnamon with molasses and add to bowl.
Mix all together, using your hands.

3. Add lemon peel and brandy. Dissolve baking soda in the milk and
add to dough.
The dough should be stiff but pliable.
If necessary add more flour.

4. Roll dough about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick and cut
into shapes of stars, crescents, animals, etc.
Bake on buttered baking sheets in oven 10 minutes or
until crisp and well browned.