* finely ground

These cookies require precision timing and fast action but the results are worth the trouble. I make them for holidays and special occasions, but they are delicious anytime.

Preheat oven to 350°. Butter and flour baking sheet.

In a small, heavy pan, place all ingredients. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until butter melts. Drop by teaspoonful: onto baking sheet (do not bake more than six at one time).

Bake at 350° for 7-9 minutes. Cookies should be only slightly brown and still bubbling at the center. Let cool only for a minute or so until the edge is firm enough to lift with a thin spatula Then, working quickly, lift cookies and turn them top side down onto paper towels. Roll over the handle of a wooden spoon to get a cylinder shape and let cool until crisp.

Use a fresh cookie sheet for each baking to avoid cookies sticking on sheet. If cookies get too firm to roll over the spoon handle, place back in the oven for a few moments.

Store cookies in an airtight cookie jar or tin. They will keep for a long time, and can be made well ahead of the holiday season.

do that; however, they don't have the flair of the rolled lacy effect. Or roll ends of cooled cookies in melted chocolate.

Randy Shearer