Kaak from Tlemcen (mahlab and anise ring cookies)
Arabic name كعك تلمسان (كعك حلقات بالمحلب واليانسون، حلوى الأعراس والمناسبات المميزة لمدينة تلمسان الغربية)
Original name Kaak Tlemcen

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Ingredients (10)
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Method
Mix the flour and fine semolina with the melted smen and rub well until you have an even, sandy texture.
Add the egg, sugar, yeast, ground mahlab and anise and knead everything with a little warm water until you have a smooth, cohesive dough.
Leave the dough to rest, covered, for a while until it softens and is easy to shape.
Divide the dough into equal pieces, roll each into a thin log, join the ends to form a ring, then dip the outside in sesame seeds.
Bake the rings in a moderate oven until fully cooked and pale golden, lightly crisp outside and crumbly inside; a time-honoured Tlemcen sweet traditionally served at weddings and given as gifts on special occasions.



