CHOCOLATE-DIPPED ANISE BISCOTTI
Classic Italian biscotti cookies reach a whole new level when you add delicately licorice-flavored aniseed. Wrap them up for your friends and family to enjoy with a steaming cup of coffee.
—LESLIE KELLEY DORRIS, CA
PREP: 35 MIN. • BAKE: 40 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 3 DOZEN
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons anise extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons aniseed
10 ounces milk chocolate candy coating, melted
1. Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extract. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in almonds and aniseed.
2. Divide the dough in half. On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, shape each portion into a 12x2-in. rectangle. Bake 25-30 minutes or until firm to the touch and the edges are golden brown.
3. Cool on pans on wire racks. When cool enough to handle, transfer to a cutting board; cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 3/4-in. slices. Return to baking sheets cut side down.
4. Bake 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Dip each cookie halfway into melted candy coating, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper until set. Store in an airtight container.