Beat butter or margarine in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and aniseed. Beat till well combined. Beat in whole eggs and egg yolk.
Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour, candied fruits, and orange peel with a spoon. Divide dough in half.
Shape each half into an 11x2x1 inch loaf. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Stir together egg white and 1 tsp. water. Brush over dough. Sprinkle with the 1 tablespoon. sugar.
Bake in a 190ºC oven for 20 to 25 minutes or till light brown. Cool on sheet for 1 hour. Cut each loaf diagonally into 1 cm slices.
Place slices, cut side up on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake in a 160ºC oven for 10 minutes. Turn slices over; bake 10 to 13 minutes more or till crisp. Cool on wire racks.
Makes 35. Serve with wine or coffee for dunking.