Moroccan Fekka Cookies (Anise Biscotti) |
|
 |
Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 10 Minutes Servings: 4 |
|
This is a delightful snack cookie (much like a biscotti) that is most often enjoyed while having tea or espresso. Fekkas are baked twice, and for this recipe the anise and raisins give it a very distinct Moroccan flavor. The recipe was given to me by a graduate student who was enrolled in our doctoral program while I was working at a major research university many years ago. It is the dish that she most often brought to the potluck gatherings that we periodically hosted for our graduate students. Needless to say, the mix of nationalities represented among our student body usually promised a very eclectic mix of cuisines at our social gatherings. But these were always my favorite, and I finally thought to ask her for the recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Ingredients:
6 eggs |
1 cup sugar |
1 cup cooking oil |
2 cups finely chopped walnuts |
1 cup raisins |
1 tablespoon anise |
1 tablespoon baking powder |
1 teaspoon baking powder |
3/4 teaspoon baking soda |
1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
6 cups flour |
Directions:
1. Beat eggs and sugar until mixture is white. Add oil, and beat until well mixed. Add the walnuts, raisins, anise, baking powder, baking soda, and vanilla, mixing well while adding flour in small bits at a time.
2. Shape dough into 6 small loaves, each about 2 inches in diameter and 8 inches long. Place loaves on a greased baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake in a 350º oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until light brown. Cool; let stand about 8 hours.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut loaves into 1/2-inch slices. Place the slices on an ungreased baking sheet, and bake in a 350º oven until the slices are golden brown.
4. Let the fekkas cool a bit, then transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely.
5. Fekkas can be stored in an airtight plastic container for up to a month, or they will keep well in the freezer for several months.
|
|