| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 4.2g | 1.2g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 2.1g | 8.2g | 0.25g |
I must tell you why I absolutely adore the Anise Biscotti recipe. This is more than just a delicious treat that takes me back to my West Coast upbringing and hints at my Gujarati origins. It is a sweet symphony of flavors, a dance of textures, and a testament to the power of cross-cultural cuisine. Born and raised in California with Gujarati roots, my dishes are often a fusion of traditional Indian spices with fresh West Coast ingredients. This recipe stands out – it captures my love for baking with its simple, yet flavorful ingredients, providing an unexpected twist on the classic biscotti.
Anise Biscotti – A Health-Friendly Indulgence
What’s even more compelling about the Anise Biscotti recipe is its health benefits. The star ingredient, anise, imparts a unique flavor and offers fantastic health benefits. It’s a rich source of beneficial compounds that can boost digestion, fight inflammation, and even aid respiratory health. At the same time, the dried fruits in the recipe not only add a burst of natural sweetness but are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. What better way to satisfy your sweet tooth while boosting your health?
A Perfect Pairing
The best part, however, is how versatile this biscotti is. With its crisp texture and mild anise flavor, it’s perfect for dunking in your morning coffee or pairing with an after-dinner dessert wine. It also beautifully complements spicy chai lattes on cozy evenings or creamy tiramisu for an indulgent weekend treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, I’d highly recommend trying it with a mango lassi – the sweetness of the mango contrasts the anise beautifully, creating a flavor dance that is both surprising and delightful.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, Anise Biscotti is a recipe that deserves a place in your recipe book. Its simplicity, coupled with the surprising depth of flavors, creates a dessert that not only celebrates my Gujarati-American roots but will resonate with anyone who values good food and the stories that it tells.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 3/4 cup White Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Anise Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup assorted Dried Fruits (such as cherries, cranberries, apricots, and raisins)
- 1 Egg White (Lightly Beaten)
Method
Step One
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure easy removal of the biscotti later.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, anise seeds, baking powder and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are well mixed.
Step Three
In another bowl, beat the two large eggs along with the vanilla extract. Make sure to beat them until they are frothy and well combined.
Step Four
Slowly add the egg mixture into the large bowl containing the dry ingredients. Use a large spoon to mix everything together until the dough starts to form.
Step Five
Place the assorted dried fruits into the mixture and use your hands to gently knead them into the dough. Make sure all the fruits are evenly distributed throughout.
Step Six
Transfer the dough on to the baking sheet and shape it into a log, approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Step Seven
Take the lightly beaten egg white and brush it over the top of the log. This will give the biscotti a nice shine once it’s baked.
Step Eight
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the log is lightly browned and firm to the touch.
Step Nine
Once it’s done baking, remove the log from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, cut the log into 1/2-inch thick slices using a sharp knife.
Step Ten
Finally, place the slices back onto the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes, or until they are toasted and crispy. Allow them to cool before serving and enjoy!
