Italian Almond Biscotti

Italian Almond Biscotti*****

Almond Biscotti

My whole biscotti obsession started with this family recipe for Italian Almond Biscotti. Simple and great tasting -it will quickly become one of your favorites.          From the blog: She Loves Biscotti

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Author Maria Vannelli RD

Ingredients:

1 cup whole almonds raw
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon pure almond extract
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325° F.  Position rack in the center. 

Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast in oven for about 12-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt and sugars).

In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Add olive oil, extracts, and zest. Whisk lightly together.

When almonds are toasted, remove from oven and coarsely chop.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add flour mixture to egg mixture; stir with wooden spoon until just incorporated.

Fold in chopped almonds (make sure they have cooled off before incorporating in the batter).

Use a large serving spoon to scoop out the dough and place it on the parchment lined cookie sheet. Add another scoop adjacent to the batter on the cookie sheet and keep going until two logs are formed.
With damp fingers, shape into a log shape.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown in colour and firm. Allow to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.

Remove from baking sheet and transfer to cutting board.

Using a serrated knife, slice cookies at an angle about 1/2 - 3/4 inch thick.

Place slices back on the baking sheets, and return them to the oven for about another 15 - 20 minutes (the longer they stay in the oven, the crispier they get). Turn them over at the half way mark.

Place on a wire rack to cool.  Yield 3 dozen.

Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.