Anise Biscotti

Italian chef Mary Ann Esposito says biscotti are some of the easiest Christmas cookies to make.

These "twice-baked" Italian cookies are perfumed with anise. Mary Ann Esposito

Makes 3 dozen biscotti

• 1 cup unblanched whole almonds
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 1/3 tablespoons (1/3 cup) unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons anise extract
• 1 tablespoon anise seeds

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, until golden. Transfer the nuts to a bowl and let cool. (Leave the oven on.)