Pfeffernusse (Peppernuts)

4 eggs
1 pound confectioners' sugar
About 4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon

Beat eggs until frothy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and lemon juice and rind. Sift flour. Measure and add salt, baking soda and spices. Sift again. Add sifted dry ingredients to egg and sugar mixture. Beat until a medium-soft, smooth dough is formed. Chill dough in refrigerator for several hours.

When thoroughly chilled, divide dough into 5 or 6 parts. Remove one portion from refrigerator at a time and turn out on lightly floured board. Cut off small portions and form into fingerlike sticks, rolling with the flat part of hand. Lay sticks in parallel rows and cut across, making pieces the size of a small marble. Place pieces close together on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees F until they begin to turn a light, golden brown.