1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. anise flavoring
1 tbsp. ground anise seeds
1 tsp. each grated orange and lemon peel
3 cups all purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 cup almonds, chopped

Sift flour with baking powder and set aside.

Beat together butter and sugar until light. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add remaining ingredients in order given, adding flour mixture and almonds last. Mix to form a stiff dough.

Divide dough into 2 or 3 portions and form into long rolls the length of a cookie sheet. Place rolls several inches apart on greased cookie sheet.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until lightly golden in color (about 20 to 25 minutes). Remove from oven and cut while still warm into 3/4-inch diagonal slices (it helps to use a long serrated knife).

Place the cut side down and toast for about 8 minutes (4 minutes each side) or until a light brown color.

Serve with coffee or milk for dunking.