Anise Aides Digestion

Anise Seed for the Digestion

Anise seed, described by Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD, as the "ultimate digestif" is not only easy to fit into any cooking schedule, but carries a unique, intense flavor of black licorice with thirteen times the sweetness of sugar, making it a great addition, whole, to the glazes of desserts, or ground and mixed into the dough. However, in Asian and Scandinavian cooking, it is favored more for savory dishes than for sweet - breads, rich sauces, gravies, soup, stews and even as a condiment on cheese. It can alleviate ulcers, cure indigestion, and minimize stomach cramps. Anise seed has anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful for bronchial spasms and asthma.

For a simple method of trying or adding anise to a diet, tea infusions after a full meal will soothe the stomach, help with a full range of digestion and total body relaxation. Underberg, a new mini-drink that is anise based  is making quite a note in restaurants as an "digestif" served after the dinner.

 Anise Kiss Cookies--

Ingredients--

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/2 tbsp. STM Anise Seed
1 tbsp. STM Sweet Spice

Instructions--

1. Beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for 15 minutes. The mixture should look almost white and thick enough to ribbon. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, Sweet Spice blend and 1 tablespoon of the anise seed.

2. Grease two baking sheets or spray them with non-stick spray. Drop heaping teaspoons of the dough on the cookie sheet, separating them by an inch. Sprinkle the remaining anise seed on top. Bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned. Remove them to a clean tea towel to cool.