Anise Seed Cookies 

I baked up some anise seed cookies today (recipe follows). Anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) is one of my favorite herbs even though it is not commonly used. I like the fact that it has culinary uses as well as having many medicinal properties. It’s actually a very useful herb. A bonus is that it is safe for children to take. Because of this I like to use it in teas and tinctures for cold symptoms. It also has a pleasant flavor, much like licorice.

For medicinal use it is great for aliments concerning the respiratory tract. Anise is perfect for soothing a cough as it is relaxing to the respiratory muscles and acts as an expectorant. Also, anise seeds are good for digestive complaints such as nausea, gas, and colic. A few of the seeds can be chewed after a meal to prevent gas (all the more reason to eat the cookies I just baked!).

To take as a tea, bring to a boil, 1 cup water and pour over 1 teaspoonful anise seed. Cover and steep for at least 10 minutes.

Now for my recipe:

Anise Seed Cookies

2 ½ cups flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup white sugar

1 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 ½ tablespoons crushed anise seed

Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and anise seeds. Set aside.

Blend together butter and sugars. Beat in eggs and then vanilla.

Gradually mix the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture.

Cover and chill until dough is firm enough to handle. Then roll into one inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350⁰ F for about 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Some markets due sell anise seeds but it can be harder to find. If you have a hard time finding it then I recommend my favorite source for herbs: Mountain Rose Herbs.