Anise Walnut Biscotti

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter , room temperature
• 2.5 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 8 eggs
• 7 teaspoons baking powder
• 8 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons anise extract
• 3 teaspoons anise seed
• 1 cup chopped walnuts , Optional
• 2 eggs yolks , lightly beaten

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F ( 190 degrees C ).

2. 2

   In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar Gradually add the vanilla and eggs while mixing. Sift together the flour and baking powder; stir into the egg mixture. For plain biscotti, do not add anything else (see Cook's Note). Stir in the anise extract and anise seed. Add walnuts if desired.

3. 3

   Wet or grease your hands and shape dough out into 4 logs as long as your baking sheet will allow. Pat each one to about 3/4 inch in height, and 3 inches wide. Brush with beaten egg yolks.

4. 4

   Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until golden brown. Slice logs at an angle, cutting pieces into 1/2 to 3/4-inch wide cookies. Place slices back onto the cookie sheet, standing upright, if possible; leave a gap between the slices. Return to the oven and bake until cookies are dry and lightly toasted, about 10 minutes more.