Berenice’s Anise Biscotti

6 large eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

½ ounce (half a bottle) anise flavor

¼-½ teaspoon oil of anise

½ teaspoon salt

6½ cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 cup slivered or sliced almonds (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat eggs until thick and fluffy. Add oil and sugar and beat very well. Add flavorings until mixed through.

In a separate bowl, gently combine flour and baking powder; add to the sugar mixer in batches and mix until well combined. Add almonds. Batter will be very stiff.

Oil your hands so you can easily handle the dough; divide dough into four pieces and shape each into oblong loaves, about ¾- to 1-inch high, and place two loaves each on two cookie sheets.

Bake 20-25 minutes until slightly brown. Remove from oven and, while on baking sheet, slice diagonally into ¾-inch thick slices while still hot. Lay each slice flat on cut side and continue baking until golden, but not too brown. Serve with coffee.

Makes about four dozen.