Classic Tuscan Biscotto

(from Lawmom’s recipe box)

Source: Tina Wasserman's Cooking and More

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 finely ground almonds
  • 1/2 cup toasted whole almonds
  • 1 egg (beaten lightly)
  • 2 eggs whites, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract*
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract*
  • 1 cup sugar, optional
  • 3 ounces Lindt Surfin bittersweet chocolate
  • 1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate

Directions

  1. Place the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir with a fork to combine

  2. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture

  3. On the outside of the flour mound place the ground and whole almonds

  4. Place the eggs, extracts, and sugar in the well

  5. Using a fork, beat the egg mixture and then quickly incorporate the flour and nuts in to the mixture until a smooth dough is formed

  6. If necessary, lightly knead the dough on a board until mixture holds together

  7. The more the dough is kneaded the tougher it will get because working the gluten in the flour

  8. Divide the dough into three parts

  9. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper

  10. Set aside

  11. Lightly oil your hands and then shape the dough into 3 logs that are 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch high

  12. The length may vary

  13. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly golden

  14. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes

  15. Cut each log crosswise into 1/2 inch slices and place on the used parchment paper cut side down

  16. Bake for 7 minutes

  17. Turn biscotti over and bake for another 7 minutes or until golden and crisp

  18. Cool completely before dipping in chocolate or before serving

  19. To make chocolate dipped biscotti, melt the two chocolates in a large, flat soup dish over simmering water.

  20. Dip one side of the biscotti into the chocolate mixture and then place chocolate side up on a clean plate to cool and harden

  21. Serve

  22. *Can vary extracts, but keep at 1 teaspoon or else will have too much liquid

  23. Anise is a good substitute

  24. Note: Great but better dipped in chocolate

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