Italian Anise Toast

These are wonderful for dipping into coffee!

3 1/4 cups unbleached flour
2 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons melted butter
1 bottle anise extract or a few drops of anise oil

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until well blended. Add sugar. Add melted butter. Add anise extract or anise oil. Add to dry ingredients and mix well. Add 1 cup whole almonds, toasted at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes, if desired.

Form into two loaves on a floured board. Each loaf should be approximately 12 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide. Bake 1 loaf at a time on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Cut baked loaves into 3/4-inch diagonal slices. Bake slices at 350 degrees F for 6 minutes on each side. Cool.