Anise Seed Biscotti

Ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup brandy
1 1/2 teaspoons anise extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup almonds
2 tablespoons anise seed

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or foil.
• In large mixing bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Combine brandy, anise extract and vanilla in a small bowl or measuring cup.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
• Alternately add dry ingredients and brandy mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
• Stir in the almonds and aniseed.
• Drop dough by spoonfuls onto prepared sheet, forming two 2 x 13-inch long strips on each sheet.
• Smooth dough into logs with moistened fingertips.
• Bake about30 to 35 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch.
• Place cookie sheets on racks and cool completely.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
• Cut cooled logs on the diagonal into 3/4-inch thick slices using a serrated knife.
• Place slices on cookie sheets.
• Bake for about 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, until dry and slightly brown. Remove to a rack and cool.