Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Blackstrap Molasses
  • 1 tsp Licorice Root Powder
  • 2 tsp Pure Anise Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Food Coloring Gel
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1 cup Granulated White Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Dark Corn Syrup
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour

Instructions:

  1. Line a 20cm square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Combine the butter, sugar, molasses, corn syrup, and salt in your saucepan.
  3. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the butter is completely melted and the sugar dissolves.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 5 minutes without stirring.
  5. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the licorice root powder and black food coloring.
  6. Sift the all-purpose flour into the pot, whisking vigorously until no white streaks remain and a thick dough forms.
  7. Stir in the anise oil last until the aroma is strong and the mixture looks velvety.
  8. Pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan and level the top with your spatula.
  9. Let the licorice sit at room temperature for at least 45 minutes until it feels firm to the touch and holds its shape.
  10. Lift the parchment out, place on a cutting board, and slice into ropes or bite-sized squares using a sharp, oiled knife.