Grandma's Lebkuchen Cookies

Lebkuchen cookies are a German cookie passed down farther back than I can remember. The recipe has adapted to fit the makers; it used to have molasses, white icing and decorated with colored sugar, now we use corn syrup, a light glaze and an almond flower on top!

As a family, the girls get together every year during deer hunting season to make these. They are a huge hit for our family! They taste great when you are done making them, but they are the BEST right out of the freezer! (my dad loves to let them "age" for a year, he says they taste better.....if there are any left!)

This is how many we make....i think its about triple the recipe (we have a BIG family) :D

Ingredients:

1 cup of shortening (heated)

1 cup dark corn syrup

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 lb. orange peel (ground)

1 lb. citron peel (ground)

1 cup almonds (ground)

2 cups brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup sour cream

flour enough to make dough stiff (5-7 cups)

Glaze:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

heat in double boiler until it starts to thicken, add 1/4 cup powdered sugar.

Instructions:

Heat shortening, add brown sugar, corn syrup and beat.

Add eggs, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, soda and baking powder. beat/mix.

Add ground orange and citron peel and ground almonds and sour cream. beat/mix

Add flour enough to make stiff.

Use cookie cutter to make circles, squares or other shapes. Use 5 slivered almonds to make a flower on top (press in gently).

Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes OR 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Glaze and let cool.

Enjoy!