Recipe for Turron de Dona Pepa—Anise Cookie Bar

Ingredients (25)

• 3 tablespoons anise seeds
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon anise extract
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 medium apple
• 1 medium lime
• 1 medium orange
• 1 (7-ounce) bag prunes
• 3 medium cinnamon sticks
• Pinch salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1 whole allspice, optional
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• Candy sprinkles, for garnish