Fried Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 0.25 cup white sugar
• 2.5 tablespoons shortening
• 2.5 tablespoons brandy
• 2 teaspoons anise seed
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Steps

1. In a large bowl beat together eggs and sugar until thick and light colored. Then beat in shortening, brandy, anise seeds (optional) and salt. Beat in flour gradually.
2. On a floured surface, knead dough into a smooth ball. Divide ball into two equal pieces, wrap in waxed paper and chill in refrigerator for at least two hours.
3. Roll one piece of dough into a rectangle approximately 12 x 15 inches. (The other piece of dough should be left in refrigerator until ready to be rolled.) Using pastry wheel, cut dough into strips 6 x 1 inch.
4. Make a vertical slit in top 1/3 of the strip and draw the bottom end of it through OR tie a knot in the center. Repeat with remaining dough and set aside.
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 360 degrees F (185 degrees C). Deep fry strips until golden brown. Drain on paper towels, cool, and sprinkle heavily with confectioners' sugar.