Chocolate pizzelles

Again, use the same technique as the standard pizzelle recipe (posted previously).

In a mixing bowl, combine:

1/2 cup melted butter

3 level Tblsp. cocoa powder mixed w/1 Tblsp. vegetable oil

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs

Stir in: 1-2/3 cups flour mixed with 3 tsps. baking powder

Drop by scant Tblsp. onto heated pizzelle iron & cook until done. Remove to racks to cool & enjoy them plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

Gingerbread pizzelles

Same technique, different ingredients. Heat your pizzelle iron while you make the batter.

In a bowl, mix:

1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
2 Tblsp. molasses
1 tsp. vanilla

1-2/3 cups flour mixed with 3 tsps. baking powder, 1 tsp. ginger, 1 tsp. cinnamon, a pinch of ground cloves

Cook pizzelles as usual, being careful not to overcook them - they're darker colored than standard ones due to the molasses & spices.

Pizzelles

You'll need a pizzelle iron to make these, which can be found online, in cooking supply stores or some Italian markets (Caputo's).

Heat the iron according to mfgr's directions while you're making the batter.

In a mixing bowl, blend together:

1/2 cup melted butter

3 eggs

3/4 C. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. anise extract (OR 2 small drops of anise oil) - the anise flavoring is optional

1-2/3 cups flour mixed with 3 tsps. baking powder.

The batter will be on the stiff side. When the iron is ready, carefully drop a scant Tblsp. of batter into the center of the iron, closing the top/pressing it down until it's closed. Watch for the light or timer - carefully & slowly lift a bit to check color/doneness. The pizzelles will be SOFT when removed but will harden as they cool off. If you like them darker, more well done, leave them in a few seconds longer but check constantly because they cook QUICKLY.

Once the pizzelles are cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar or leave them plain.