Crisp and light, these Italian favorites require a Pizzelle iron to make. You can use any flavoring you like, although anise is traditional.

INGREDIENTS | YIELDS 18 COOKIES

• 6 eggs
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons anise extract
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder

1. Preheat Pizzelle iron.

2. Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Blend in butter and anise.

3. Stir in flour and baking powder.

4. Drop batter by rounded tablespoons (more or less) on Pizzelle iron.

5. Cook about 1½ minutes, until steam stops. Remove from iron; lay flat on a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.