Ingredients
2 1/3 cups flour
1/2 cup icing sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, room temperature
1 egg
1 tablespoon anise extract
1/4 cup milk
For sprinkling
about 1/8 cup icing sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl beat eggs.
Add 1 tablespoon milk to the beaten eggs and then add anise extract.
Blend egg mixture with flour mixture and knead for about 1 minute.
Add remaining milk, about 1 tablespoon at a time, and work into a malleable dough.
Divide dough into 2 parts.
Shape each part into a 12 inch log about 1 1/2 inch thick.
Place logs 4 inches apart on a well-greased cookie sheet or one lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 375 F degrees until done -- about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove from oven.
While the logs are still warm dust with icing sugar.
Slice at a slanted angle about 3/4 inch thick.
Notes
Photo: Mary Melfi. |