Taralli Scaldati Col Finocchio Taralli With Fennel Seeds

2 1/2 ts Dried yeast

1 c Dry white wine, warmed

1/2 c Olive oil

3 3/4 c Unbleached all-purpose flour

1 ts Salt

1 1/2 ts Fennel seeds -=OR=-

2 ts Cracked black peppercorns

Stir yeast into the warmed wine & let proof for 10 minutes. Stir in the olive oil & add then add the flour, salt, fennel/pepper. Mix until the dough comes together, knead on a lightly floured board for 5 to 7 minutes, the presence of the olive oil should prevent it from

sticking. Knead until the dough is smooth & responsive. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover & let rise until puffy but not doubled, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Break off ap iece of dough the size of a lime & roll it between your palms & fingers to form a rope 18" long & as thin as a breadstick. Let each one rest while you roll out the rest (about 12 in all). Cut each piece into 6" lengths & conect their ends to form rings about 2" in diameter. Press the ends together very firmly; pinch as tighly as necessary, the dough will recover. Set the rings on oiled baking sheets, cover & let rise for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350F & bring a pot of water to a boil. When risen, plunge the taralli into the boiling water, a few at a time, immersing them only until they bob to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon & drain on paper towels. Let them cool slightly. Bake on oiled baking sheets for about 20 to 24 minutes, until they are crunchy.