Recipe: Apple and Star Anise Biscuits
Apples are one of my favourite things about Autumn especially the sharp sweet varieties that lend themselves so well to baking. Star anise is a beautiful partner for apple warm aromatic and slightly unusual. These apple and star anise biscuits are crumbly fragrant and full of seasonal comfort with sharp apple pieces balanced by gentle spice.
Ingredients
For the biscuits
175g plain flour
110g unsalted butter
50g soft brown sugar
50g very finely chopped dried apple
1 tsp star anise
Method
Rub the butter the star anise and the flour together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar then add the dried apple and bring the dough together with your hands. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 150°C fan. Roll the dough out to about 5 mm thick and cut into shapes or roll small balls and press them down with the back of a fork for a more rustic look. If you like you can add an extra dried apple slice to the top but keep an eye on it so it does not catch. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly golden. Leave to cool on the trays.
A Seasonal Note
These biscuits belong to Samhain the Celtic season of the late harvest when apples are plentiful and the air grows colder. Apple brings bright Autumn flavour while star anise adds warmth and depth a quiet grounding spice for darker days. A simple comforting bake for the turning of the year.
