An American Family History

1 1/2 c. butter
3 c powdered sugar
4 eggs
1/2 c orange juice or sherry
1 t mace
1/2 t baking soda
3 c. sifted cake flour

Cream butter and sugar until light, break the eggs into the mixture 1 at a time & beat throughly after each addition. Add the sherry or orange juice & beat at least 5 min. Sift dry ingredients together & fold into the butter mixture. Chill 2 -3 hrs. Roll dough, cut into shape & bake in 350 oven for 10-12 min.

Roll on board lightly sprinkled with flour or powdered sugar. Press the dough with a lightly floured springerle board or roll with springerle rolling pin. (Dust molds with cornstarch instead of flour. If do not wish to use Springerle - can use Scotch Short bread, white Xmas cookies or water cookies with Springerle boards.)

With sharp knife cut the dough thru marked divisions & with a pancake turner lift onto cookie sheet. Let stand in a cool place for at least 24 hrs to set the design. (She leaves hers uncovered in freezer overnight)

Aunt Pit wasn't big on the details. If she missed a few, here are basic directions for cookies. Heat oven to 375º Cream butter and sugar. Add the eggs, milk and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Put slices or rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown.