extreme flavors

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon anise seeds crushed
2 extra large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon anise extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.

Combine flour, sugar, anise seeds, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk together eggs, lemon juice and anise extract and add to dry ingredients. Mix well. Divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a 10-inch log. Place logs about 4 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly browned. Cool just enough so that the logs can be handled.

Cut each log diagonally into 1/2 inch slices. Lay the slices on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until dry and crisp.

Variations
Almond Biscotti - add 1 cup chopped almonds and 1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring instead of anise seeds and extract

Chocolate Chip - add 1 cup of chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mini M&M - add 1 cup of mini M&Ms and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spice - use basic recipe but add 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1 teaspoon nutmeg.