Biscotti

A friend of mine gave me a biscotti (sorry, biscotto) when I was at his restaurant the other day, and it reminded me that I haven't made them in a while. So I went home and did just that.

Biscotti

1/2 c whole almonds
1/3 c butter
3/4 c sugar
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
1/4 t almond extract
2 t grated orange zest
2 1/4 c flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/8 t nutmeg
1/4 t salt

Toast the almonds in a 325 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. Let cool, then chop into 2-3 pieces each.

Cream the butter with the sugar, then add the eggs, vanilla, almond extract and orange zest.  Mix in the flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt, just until blended. Fold in the almonds.

Divide dough in half, and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Place on a greased and floured baking sheet at least 2 inches apart from each other. Bake for 23 minutes at 325 degrees. Remove from the oven, transfer to a rack, and let cool for 5 minutes.

With a serrated knife, cut each log into pieces about 3/4 of an inch wide, at a 45 degree angle. I found that I end up with fewer broken pieces if I gently press down, rather than saw back and forth.

Place the pieces cut side down on the baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes more, flipping the pieces over halfway through. Let cool on a rack, and store in a covered container.

I brought these to my friend, and he said they were better than the one he gave me. He even offered to sell them in his restaurant for me. Looks like I may have found myself a part-time job.