The Italians really know what they are doing when it comes to making simple cookies that go perfectly with a cup of coffee.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of white sugar
1 cup of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of baking powder
3 teaspoons of ground anise
2 1/2 cups of flour
3 eggs + 1 egg for brushing
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of almond extract

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl if mixer, mix the sugars, ground anise, baking powder, and flour.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs. Add the vanilla and almond extracts. Add to the flour mixture. Mix until dough comes together.

On a lightly floured surface separate dough into four equal pieces. Roll one piece at a time into a log shape that is approximately 8 inches long, 2 inches wide. Repeat with remaining three pieces of dough. Place two logs per baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops of the loaves are shiny and deep golden. Cool on a rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. Place a loaf on a cutting board, and using a large serrated knife, slice cookies 3/4 of an inch thick on the diagonal. Place slices on their sides back on to the baking sheets and bake on each side for 7 minutes each.   Remove from oven and cool completely.  They will last for about a month in an air-tight container.