Pepper Nuts (pfeffernuesse)

1. 2 cup Packed Brown Sugar
2. 1 cup Shortening
3. 1 cup Hot Water
4. 2 tsp Anise Seeds
5. 4-5 cup All purpose Flour
6. 1 tsp Baking Soda
7. 1 tsp Ground Allspice
8. 1/2 tsp Ground nutmeg
9. 1 tsp Ground cloves
10. 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
11. 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Mix first 4 ingredients. Mix flour, soda and spices together and add to first mixture. Add enough flour to make a VERY stiff dough. Depending on humidity, 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups of flour will be needed. Dough works best when chilled. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to desired thickness (1/8 to 1/4 inch works best), cut cookies, and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400F for 8 to 10 minutes. Cookies will be light brown and slightly soft in the center. Cool on sheet. To make "nuts" cut rolled dough with the center of a doughnut cutter. Put 2 baked pieces together using frosting.