Italian Love Knots

Christmas is that time of the year that I miss my Mom the most.  The woman was truly amazing.  She worked as a seamstress, took two city buses back and forth to work and yet effortlessly prepared for the holiday.

She shopped at various stores until she bought everything she needed to prepare for the Feast of the Seven Fishes (Christmas Eve) as well as Christmas Day's dinner.  As if that wasn't enough, she made the hot pepper tarrales, struffoli and baked the most amazing lemon cookies......yet, she never complained about all the work that went into the preparations.

Each year, I try to keep these traditions alive for my family.  Let me tell you, it's a job.  I work in an office, drive everywhere, shop online and still complain very loudly.  I miss my mommy.  I loved being a guest at her table and even though I try to imitate her recipes, it's never the same.

One of my regrets was that we never got her recipe for the lemon cookies.  I've tried many different recipes but none were even close.  Recently, my husband, Marty found one for Italian Love Knots in a magazine. We gave it a try and finally.........

Italian Love Knots

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon extract
• 1/2 cup butter softened

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a baking sheet.
Beat butter until creamy, add eggs, sugar and lemon extract and mix well.
In a separate bow, combine flour and baking powder.  Add flour mixture to the butter mixture.  Mix batter until dough forms.  (If too dry, add a little milk)
Shape pieces of dough into a thin cigar shape (about 4 or 5 inches long, then loop the dough into a knot shape.
Place knot shaped dough onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden color.

You can either sprinkle cooled cookies with powdered sugar or prepare a glaze with confectioners sugar, a little water, and a few drops of lemon extract.

(I like to dip the tops of the cookies in the lemon glaze. Delish!!)

Buon Natale Mom