Almond Biscotti

* Exported from MasterCook *

Almond Biscotti

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 30 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 C Sugar
1/2 C Butter, sweet -- melted
3 Tbsp Brandy
1 Tsp Vanilla
1 Tsp Almond extract
1 C Almonds, unsalted -- chopped
3 Eggs
2 1/2 C Flour
1/2 Tbsp Baking powder
1/4 Tsp Salt

Preheat oven to 350~. Mix sugar with butter, brandy, vanilla, almond
extract, nuts and eggs. Mix well.

Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Form into a long loaf (or
loaves), place on a cookie sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes or until firm
and softly cakelike. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

When cool enough to handle, slice into 1/2 inch diagonal slices and
return to cookie sheet. Bake for 15-25 miutes, turning once, until both
sides are brown-flecked and toasted. Cool thoroughly and store in an
airtight jar.

Makes 2-3 dozen.

Variation 1 (Mandlebrot): increase sugar to 1-1/4 cups. Diced dried
apricots may by added.

Variation 2: for a clasic anise-flavored biscotto, substitute Pernod,
Ouzo or Anisette for the brandy and omit the almond extract. Several
tablespoons of anise seeds may be added for additional oomph.

Variation 3 (Hazelnut biscotti): use hazelnuts in place of almonds. A
hazelnut liqueur may be used instead of brandy. Omit the almond extract.

Variation 4 (Mediterranean biscotti): use rosewater instead of brandy.
Substitute unsalted pistachio nuts for the almonds, and add 1/4 - 1/2 cup
diced figs to the dough.

Variation 5 (Ginger-flavored biscotti): to the basic dough, add 1 Tbsp
powdered ginger, a generous dash of cloves and cinnamon, 1 or 2 Tbsp of
candied ginger and 1/4 cup raisins, if desired. Omit the almond extract.

Variation 6 (Paximatha): this Greek rusk dates back to the 5th century,
virtually unchanged. Substiture 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted sesame seeds for
the almonds. Omit the almond extact and flavor the dough with 1 tsp
cinnamon and 1/2 tsp cloves.

Variation 7 (Fekkas): a Moroccon twice-baked cookie. Substitute orange
flower water for the brandy.

Variation 8; Pine nuts may be used instead of almonds, though the
richness may be less desirable than the crunch of the toasted almonds.
Candied fruits, too, may be added, 1/4 to 1/2 cup assorted fruits blended
into the dough before baking.

Variation 9 (Chocolate Dipped): melt 1/2 pound semi-sweet chocolate in
the top of a double boiler over just simmering water. If it "seizes" or
"tightens", add 2 Tbsp of unsalted buter and it should smooth out again.
Dip only one side of each cookie (the chocolate won't seal in the moisture
that way).



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