Anise Walnut Biscotti

recipe yield: 5 dozen

1/2 pound butter
2 1/2 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
2 egg yolks

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

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. For anise biscotti, add the anise extract and anise
seed. Add walnuts if desired.

Roll dough out into 4 logs as long as your baking sheet will allow.
Press down each one to about 3/4 inch in height, and 3 inches wide.
Brush with egg yolks and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Slice on a diagonal slant, slices should be about 3/4 inch wide.
Place slices back onto the cookie sheet and return to the oven for
10 more minutes, cookies should be dry and lightly toasted.