Notes — The famous “azteca piggies,” or Mexican gingerbread pigs. Possibly my favorite cookie. Make sure the spices are very well ground. (unknown kcal/recipe)

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups flour
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1/2 tsp anise powder
• 1 egg lightly beaten (for glazing)

Instructions

1. Bring brown sugar and water to a boil to disolve the sugar. Let it cool.
2. Put flour in a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix together the egg, vanilla, baking soda, oil, baking powder, fresh yeast and anise powder. Combine all together into a thick dough. If the dough is a little dry, add a little water and continue kneading until the water is incorporated.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut out piggy shapes (or squares, if you’re a monster).
5. Preheat oven to 250˚F.
6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet with waxed paper, varnished with lightly beaten egg before baking.
7. Bake for 25 minutes.