Biscotti

We have so many great neighbors that have helped us during Don's health issues, so last Tuesday night, I decided to try to make them some biscotti as a "Thank You."  I had purchased a package of biscotti from a bakery at the Fort Worth Farmers Market three weekends ago and thought they were really good - not too sweet, and crunchy (I like crunchy cookies!).  Biscotti is an Italian cookie that is twice baked and is often used to dunk into coffee (it's crunchy, so it stands up to being dunked).

It just so happens, there had been a recipe in (who else?) Paula Deen's magazine that I had cut out last week and it seemed so easy.  Guess what?  It IS easy!!!  So without further ado, here is the recipe:

Pecan Biscotti

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs, divided

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2-1/4 cups all purpose flour

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt   (I thought it needed more salt, so I added 1/2 tsp instead)

1/2 cup chopped pecans

2 T. turbinado sugar (raw sugar that is less processed - light brown in color - larger cystals)

Preheat oven to 325*F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with a mixer until fluffy.  Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in vanilla.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.  Gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until combined.  Stir in chopped pecans. (Dough will be sticky.)

On a lightly floured surface (with floured hands), shape dough into a 12"x4" log.  Place on prepared baking sheet.  Lightly beat remaining egg; brush over log.  Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.  Bake for 27 to 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and let set on a wire rack until completely cool.

Reduce oven temperature to 300*F.  Using a serrated knife, carefully cut log crosswise into 1/2" to 3/4" slices.  Place slices on baking sheet, cut sides down.  Bake for 15 minutes, turn over and bake for another 15 minutes.  Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.



Baked Chocolate Biscotti Log Before Slicing



Almond & Cranberry Biscotti, Completed



Bagged Biscotti-Thank You Gifts For Neighbors



Ideas for different biscotti:

• Decrease flour to 2 cups and add 1/2 cup cocoa to make chocolate (cioccolata).  Add chocolate chips?
• Add almonds (or any other nut of choice) instead of pecans.
• Add craisins, dried fruit, dates.
• Add toasted coconut.
• Instead of turbinado sugar, use large sugar crystals, chopped nuts, toasted coconut.

What are some of your ideas?