put the flaked almonds on a shallow tray and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly toasted, shaking once or twice during that time to ensure they're evenly done. Allow to cool
put the dried figs into a food processor and pulse a few times
grind the anise seeds with a pestle & mortar
add the ground anise seeds, sesame seeds, cinnamon, all spice, honey, brandy and half the almonds to the dried figs and pulse again until blended
using a spatula, fold in the other half of the almonds until they are evenly distributed into the mix