Star Anise Lace Cookies

1. 1

   In an electric coffee/spice grinder finely grind star anise.

2. 2

   In a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan bring anise, sugar, butter, and vinegar to a boil over moderate heat, stirring, and boil 1 minute.

3. 3

   Remove pan from heat and stir in flour and a pinch salt until mixture is smooth.

4. 4

   Cool dough to room temperature.

5. 5

   Form and bake cookies as directed at below.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 350F and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. 7

   Roll level 1/2-teaspoons dough into balls and arrange 4 inches apart on baking sheets.

8. 8

   Bake cookies in batches in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, 10 minutes, or until cookies are flat and golden.

9. 9

   Transfer parchment with cookies to racks to cool.

10. 10

    Cool baking sheets and line with fresh parchment between batches.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.