Cream shortening and sugar. Add 1 egg at a time and beat on low for 5 minutes after each one. Add anise seed. Beat.

Combine dry ingredients in bowl. Add to wet ingredients, beating on low. Mix in nuts and fruit with spoon. Turn out on floured board and knead until smooth. Divide in half and make 2 rolls the length of a cookie sheet.

Bake 30 minutes at 325 degrees on lightly greased cookie sheet. Lower oven to 180. Slice diagonally 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, place on cookie sheets standing up on their bottoms. Return to oven with door propped open for 10 or 15 more minutes.

MF Notes: Made 9/21/20: a bit soft so above recipe eggs reduced from 3 to 2. Anise seed a little mild so upd from 1 tablespoon to 1-1/2. MUCH better. Previous batches cracked on top so the 325 is the new lowered temp (from 350). Perfect