Monday, December 5, 2011

Holiday Party: Chocolate Almond Biscotti









It is time to start making some holiday cookies for friends and family.  Do you have any fun recipes to share?  Try my Chocolate Almond Biscotti (Italian for Twice Baked).

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup sliced almonds
2 eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1-1/2 tsp. grated orange rind
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1C chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, baking powder and almonds in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract, and orange with a mixer. Slowly add dry ingredients until a sticky dough ball forms. Stir in chocolate chips. Place on a floured surface and divide in half and roll into 2 12-inch long logs. Place logs onto a baking sheet and brush with egg whites and slide them into the oven for 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and place on cooling rack until slightly cool (around 5 minutes). Take one of the logs and cut it diagonally into 3/4 inch slices on a cutting board. Do the same for the other log. Put cookies back on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes until golden. Allow cookies to cool on a rack.

These are great for holiday parties or the perfect gift for a housewarming party. Enjoy!!