Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A YUMMY TREAT

My family loves Biscotti What is biscotti you ask?
Here is a brief history

An Italian cookie, the word Biscotti means “twice-baked”. Modern biscotti are associated with the Tuscan region of Italy, the popular Italian cookie traces its origins to Roman times. The word biscotto derives from “bis,” Latin for twice, and “coctum” or baked (which became “cotto,” or cooked). Biscotti are first baked in a loaf, then sliced and toasted. This second trip to the oven draws off moisture, and results in a crisp, dry texture, and a long shelf life. Making them durable for travel and nourishment for a long journey
Traditionally, Biscotti were almond-flavored because almonds were plentiful. Today, you’ll find Biscotti in many different flavors. My Italian great grandmother often used anise in hers. Their unique texture makes them perfect to dunk in your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or wine after dinner.

Because of the baking process, Biscotti have a very long shelf life (anywhere from 1 to 4 months). They however never last that long in my home. There is usually no need to refrigerate or freeze biscotti -- just store them in an airtight container  
Because we love it so much I have experimented with various flavors and combinations over the years and this recipe is one of our favorites and my own creation. Enjoy!


Double Almond Biscotti
2 C  flour
1/2 C  coarse chopped whole almonds (I use a food processor and let about half of these become a powder) Leave some chunky though
1 1/2 tsp  baking powder 
1/2 tsp  salt
1 cup very coarse chopped un blanched slivered almonds
1/4 C  butter(use real butter not margerine)
1 1/4 C  sugar
2 eggs
2 tsps  Almond Extract
Chocolate for dipping or drizzling
Combine dry ingredients and set aside
Cream butter, sugar, and extract until fluffy add eggs and beat until smooth
gradually add dry ingredients until blended.
Shape into two logs and bake 2350 degrees for 25 to 30 min till center is done
reduce oven temp to 250 and slice logs on the diagonal bake again until hard about 20 min.Drizzle or dip with chocolate. Linking up with:
FOODIE FRIDAY Click for details
Lovely Yellow Ribbons
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday

15 comments:

  1. Yummy! Our family always made them with anise which is licorice or with fruit preserves, but almond sounds really good! I never thought of dipping them in chocolate! Going to have to try these.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love biscotti, just have never made it. Thanks for the recipe, I know it'll be just delicious.

    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  3. These look wonderful, Debbie. I'd love to have some with a cup of coffee and you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. These are a family favorite, too! We keep are jar right beside the coffee pot, although I have been cheating and buying them instead of baking them myself! You've inspired me to give it a try! Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yummmmmmmmmy, Love these delicious treats! Thanks for the recipe AND for making me want one before bedtime:) Have a blessed evening! HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love biscotti and your recipe looks not only delicious but like something I may be able to handle!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm not much a cookie lover so I've never been drawn to biscotti, but I hope those who do enjoy this recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Debbie, thanks so much for dropping by my place earlier. :)) I so appreciated your sweet compliment regarding my newest endeavor.

    Hey..I absolutely love biscotti..and for sure will try the recipe. Sounds Fabulous!

    Hugs of Love & Sunshine,
    Terri

    ReplyDelete
  9. I haven't had biscotti in AGES - like since a few kids ago when Hubby and I could hang out in Barnes and Nobles at 11:00 at night. In other words....a LOOOONG time ago. I've NEVER made it myself though. Might have to try this. Hubby loves almonds. I love chocolate. PERFECT!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ummm, Debbie. . . I love biscotti, and I love almond flavor! I'm going to try this one out, sister! I'll let you know how it goes. :)

    Hope your summertime is coming to a beautiful end!

    ReplyDelete
  11. DEBBIE! I am sad I stopped in...lol I can't eat these...:( I recently found out I have Celiac Disease...I wonder if I could make a gluten free version...Hmmm? It is worth a try! :)

    I am soo glad to stop in and see how you are doing...I have missed visiting my favorite blogs...

    Hugs, Meme

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sounds so yummy! I do believe I could make these.
    This is my first visit to your blog, and it's fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have Italian blood running through my veins, and I love almonds and biscotti, so I guess I'm destined to make, eat, and love these cookies!!

    Happy FF.

    :)
    ButterYum

    ReplyDelete
  14. GREAT post Debbie. I LOVE biscotti and yours look especially yummy. I always try to do a lot of these at the holidays for gift giving :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

    ReplyDelete
  15. OOOOOHHHHH!!!! I am swooning over here! And I am here from SITS!

    ReplyDelete