CHOCOLATE, STAR ANISE AND ORANGE BISCOTTI

Steps:

• In large bowl, beat together butter, sugar and orange rind until fluffy; beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Beat in vanilla. Whisk together flour, baking powder, star anise and salt; add to butter mixture in 2 additions, stirring just until combined. Add chocolate; mix well. Divide dough in half. On lightly floured surface, shape each into 12-inch (30 cm) long rectangle. Place, 2 inches (5 cm) apart, on parchment paper-lined baking sheet; press to flatten slightly. Combine egg white with 1 tsp water; liberally brush over tops of biscotti. Bake in 325ºF (160ºC) oven until light golden and just firm to the touch, about 30 minutes. Let cool on pan on rack for 10 minutes. Transfer logs to cutting board. Using chef's knife, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick slices. Stand slices upright, about 1/2 inch (1 cm) apart, on baking sheet. Bake in 300ºF (150ºC) oven until almost dry, about 35 minutes. Transfer to rack; let cool completely.