Name: Fougasse
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 4 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 cup warm water (105–115°F); 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (from a 1/4-oz package); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 1/4 teaspoons table salt; 1 teaspoon anise seeds, lightly crushed; 2/3 cup water; 2 teaspoons orange-flower water (preferably French); 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange zest; 1/3 cup mild extra-virgin olive oil (preferably French) plus 1 tablespoon for brushing; 3 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour plus additional for kneading; 1 1/2 teaspoons flaky or coarse sea salt; a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment

Image may contain Food Bread Cracker and Pretzel

FougasseRomulo Yanes

If you want dramatic impact on your holiday table, look no further. These leaf-shaped breads (traditionally one of the 13 desserts of a Provençal Christmas Eve) are large and sculptural, with a heady fragrance of orange and anise.

Cooks' notes:

Fougasses are best eaten the day they're made.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

100 Recipes We Wouldn't Attempt Without a Stand Mixer
Were there meringues before stand mixers? Sure. But they weren't half as much fun to make.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Recipe notes

100 Recipes We Wouldn't Attempt Without a Stand Mixer