Aniseed Biscuits

Aniseed, or anise seed, has a sweet, licorice-like flavor. They are great in these fluffy biscuits.

Makes 8 biscuits (2.5 inch size).

Ingredients:

• 3 c all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp aniseed
• 1/4 c vegetable shortening
• 6 Tbsp butter, finely diced
• 1/2 c fresh or reconstituted orange juice
• 1/2 c cold water

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt and aniseed.
3. Cut in the shortening and butter with a pastry cutter until it looks like coarse bran.
4. Add the orange juice and cold water and blend just until it comes together.
5. Turn out on a floured board and press until one inch thick.
6. Cut with a 2.5 inch biscuit cutter or can.
7. Reform the scraps until you have 8 biscuits.
8. Place them close together in a biscuit pan just big enough to hold all eight.
9. Bake in the center of the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and bottom.
10. Allow to cool at least 15 minutes before serving with butter or jam.