mmmm....German cookies

Some cookies we always make during the holidays, from my German grandmother.

Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen is German for "bread of life"

2 lbs honey
1 lb butter (4 sticks)
2 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp ground cardamom
2 tsp ground allspice
2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
2 Tbs cinnamon
2 1/2 Tbs cocoa
1/4 cup brown sugar
6 eggs, well beaten
2 tsp vanilla
1 ½ tsp lemon extract
6 + cups flour
3 Tbs baking powder
Melt together the honey and butter. Mix spices, salt, cocoa and sugar. In a large bowl add spice mixture to melted honey/butter. When cooled, add eggs, vanilla, and lemon extract. Mix together 6 cups flour and baking powder. Add 2 cups at a time. Add extra flour (usually a few more cups) until dough is just stiff enough to roll out.

You can refrigerate this dough for a long time. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake at 350. I don't know exactly how many minutes, but it depends if you want them chewy or crunchy. Frost with a thin glaze of lemon juice and powdered sugar. Add decorations.

Radar Kuchen

1 cup sugar
1 stick butter, softened
4 eggs
Finely grated lemon rind
4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs water
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cardamom
Cream together sugar and butter. Add eggs, lemon rind, and water. Add dry ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll out on floured surface until 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick. Cut into a 4x2 inch diamond shape with a 2-inch slit in the middle between the two points. Take one pint and fold through the middle slit. Fry in deep fat at 350 in an electric frying pan or medium-high on stove. Remove when brown on both sides. Place on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.