How to Make Anise Ka'ak

Ingredients

• 1 kg flour
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup ghee (samneh)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup unroasted sesame seeds
• small demitasse cup whole anise seeds
• 2 tablespoons ground anise
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon mahleb
• water as needed
• Note: For a stronger anise flavor, boil 1 cup of anise seeds, let it cool slightly and use it for the dough instead of plain water
• To make Esraa's Ghraybeh dessert, here's the link Hala al-Gharaybeh

Method

1. Mix the flour with the ghee and oil, then add the sugar, powdered milk, spices and the rest of the ingredients and mix. Finally add the water and knead the dough.
2. Shape the anise ka'ak into round rings as shown in the photo: first form small finger-shaped pieces, then join the ends together to make rings.
3. Place the pieces on parchment paper on a baking tray and bake—use bottom heat first, then top heat—until they turn light golden.
4. Let them cool before serving.