Peruvian recipe 3: Alfahores (cookies)

Abuelita's Alfajores - Cristina Bravo de Rueda's signature recipe

1 can of sweetened condensed milk (simmered for two hours on medium heat, then chilled)
1 lb. saffola margarine (4 cubes, softened)
3 1/2 cup of flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/8 tsp. (pinch of salt)
2 tsp. anise seed or ground anise
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Powdered sugar to garnish

Mix margarine and sugar until creamy and fluffy. Sift dry ingredients together in separate bowl, then add to margarine mixture little by little until mixed well.

Knead mixture to form a ball. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into small circles and arrange on cookie sheet. Prick each cookie twice with a fork.

Bake at 325 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. Do not let them brown.

Flip cookies at about 7 minutes. Let cool, then assemble manjar blanco between two cookies, roll in powered sugar.

Enjoy!