Taralli

Ingredients

• 0.3 ounce active yeast dry
• 1  eggs 
• 0.5 cup fennel seed 
• 5 pounds flour all-purpose divided
• 0.3 cup butter 
• 1 tablespoon salt 
• 0.3 cup water 
• 1.5 tablespoons sugar white

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• sauce pan
• oven

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water.
2. Let stand for 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl combine butter or margarine, sugar, salt, and egg.
4. Add yeast mixture and 1/2 of the flour and mix until smooth. Stir in the remaining flour and the seeds.
5. Mix in additional water as needed to make a stiff dough.
6. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead well.
7. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, and turn once to coat surface. Cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm spot to rise for about 1 1/2 hours.
8. Roll dough into short ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Join ends to form donut shape. Set aside to rise for a few minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
10. Fill a large saucepan half full of water; bring to a boil. Drop taralli into water and boil for 1 minute.
11. Remove from water, letting both sides dry on a sheet of waxed paper.
12. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) on a lightly greased cookie sheet, turning a few times during baking until medium brown and crisp.