Orange, Anise & Sesame Seed Crêpes

Orange, Anise & Sesame Seed Crepes

Anise and sesame seeds may seem like unlikely additions to your next batch of crêpes, but trust me–it’s outstanding.  Together, the anise, sesame, and orange taste mysterious, somewhat exotic, and completely addiction-worthy.

I wish I could tell you that I just pulled this brilliant flavor combination out of my head, but, unfortunately, that’s not the case.  The idea came from the wildly delicious Spanish crackers that I’m totally obsessed with.  They’re awesomely olive oily, large, round crisps, dotted with anise and sesame seeds, and sprinkled with sugar.  Even the packaging is delicious; they come wrapped in beautiful wax paper printed with poetic-sounding blue type.  Legítimas y acreditadas.

Spanish Olive Oil Tortas

I could easily form-a-pack a day habit if they weren’t so danged expensive.  But it’s okay.  It’s okay because I came up with these crêpes.  These crêpes emulate the essence of my beloved crackers without the hefty price tag.  The flavors are subtle, but intriguing and craveable.  You’ll love them with coffee for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or stacked into a torte for dessert.

[Read more…]

Anise Seed & Sea Salt Focaccia

Anise Seed & Sea Salt Focaccia

My favorite restaurant meals involve taking something home.  And I don’t mean a doggy bag of left-overs.

I’m talking inspiration or an idea you can bring into your own kitchen.  Something that surprised you, something that delighted you, and something you can sneak into your repertoire at home.  Sometimes it is just a piece of a dish or a specific flavor combination.  Other times, you kind of lift the whole idea.

This time around, it’s a lifted anise-scented focaccia.  I happen to be a huge fan of anise and have added it to plenty of baked goods at home.  And I’m no stranger to homemade focaccia, but the 2 of them together?  Whoa!  Now that’s a great idea.

[Read more…]