Pecan Cookies (Polvorones)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350’F. Beat ¾ cup of the sugar, butter and lard in large bowl of electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy; about 3 minutes. Add egg yolk and vanilla; beat until smooth. Beat in flour, cinnamon, anise seed and salt until well mixed. Stir in pecans.

2. Roll walnut-size pieces of dough between palms to make round balls. Put remaining ¼ cup sugar in pie plate; roll dough balls in sugar. Place balls 5 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Press each ball with bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to about ¼ inch thickness.

3. Bake 10 minutes. Reduce oven to 300’F and continue baking until lightly browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove to cooling rack.