Miniature fennel rolls

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 48 small rolls

　　1 3/4 cups warm water (105° -115° F.)

　　2 1/2 teaspoons (a 1/4-ounce package) active dry yeast

　　2 tablespoons fennel seeds

　　5 1/2 cups organic unbleached bread flour* or unbleached all-purpose flour plus additional if necessary

　　2 teaspoons coarse salt

　　1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

　　6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

　　2 tablespoons Pernod or other anise-flavored liqueur

　　1 large egg

　　2 tablespoons water

　　*Available at special foods shops.

　　

Step 1

In a small bowl stir together warm water and yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

　　

Step 2

In a dry small heavy skillet toast fennel seeds over moderately high heat, stirring, until fragrant and several shades darker, being careful not to burn them.

　　

Step 3

In a large bowl whisk together 5 1/2 cups flour, salt, and pepper. Make a well in center and add yeast mixture, 2 tablespoons oil, fennel seeds, and liqueur. Using a wooden spoon first and then your hands, blend in liquid until a dough is formed.

　　

Step 4

On a lightly floured surface knead dough, adding flour if dough is sticky, 10 minutes, or until smooth and satiny. Put dough in a large bowl and let rise, loosely covered, in a warm place 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

　　

Step 5

Preheat oven to 500° F. and oil two shallow baking pans.

　　

Step 6

In a small bowl beat together egg and 2 tablespoons water to make an egg wash.

　　

Step 7

Punch dough down and roll into 1-inch balls. Arrange fennel balls about 1-inch apart in pans and brush with egg wash. Bake fennel balls 10 minutes, or until golden, and cool.

　　

Step 8

Just before serving, in a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and heat half of fennel rolls, stirring, 2 minutes, or until heated through. Transfer fennel rolls as heated to a basket lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt, tossing to coat. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and fennel rolls.