Tortas de Aceite

G and I just happened by Garden of the God's Gourmet in Old Colorado City. The place is a catering joint, but will make you a sandwich on the spot. They also have samples of a lot of their catering out for you to try. I picked up a cracker from one bowl and liked it. G tried one and fell in love and bought a package. The package was Tortas de Aceite by Matiz, made in Spain. It cost $10 for 6 tortas. Let me tell you, they are delicious. I do not normally like anise, but these were yummy with coffee or milk. Since we are trying to save money AND buy local, I tried to make some of these. I found a couple of recipes and both were kind of close. My first batch was too floury, doughy. The second was too thin. Neither had quite enough anise flavor.

Matiz makes these both sugared and savory. The savory are just without the sugar and almonds on top, so you can eliminate them if you want to use them for something like tapanade.

Here is what I finally came up with:


Tortas de Aceite

1/4 olive oil
Peel of 1/2 lemon
2 t anise seeds
1 T sesame seeds
1.5 c flour
2 t yeast
1/3 c warm water
2 T Anisette liqueur
1 T sugar
pinch salt
coarse sugar to sprinkle
crushed almonds (optional)

Heat olive oil w/ lemon peel to medium-high heat until peel turns black.
In the meantime, combine sesame and anise seeds and lightly crush.
Remove oil from heat. Remove peel from oil. Add seeds to oil and let cool.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In medium bowl, add rest of ingredients with oil & knead gently. Separate into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Roll into a 4-5 inch round. (I dipped my finger in olive oil and spread it on the rolling surface in between each round, to keep it from sticking) Place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Optional: Sprinkle with sugar and almonds.

Bake 15-17 minutes until golden brown.