Almond and Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Biscotti, a traditional Italian biscuit, means something that is twice baked. And that's exactly how this is made - twice baked. One of the best things about a biscotti is that it is relatively low in fat. There is no butter or oil used in the recipe. So, you can definitely indulge in a few of these along with a steaming cup of coffee. Just dunk one of these in your coffee and move them swiftly to your mouth. One bite into it and you will experience a little bliss that can guarantee a smile. And just biting into little almond and chocolate pieces do nothing else but increase that joy. So, what are you waiting for. Get the ingredients in line and start baking.

Thanks to the Sweet Punch team for picking this as the recipe for this months bake. It was an absolute joy to bake these and I ended up making a second batch almost immediately while the first one was still in the oven. We were on our way to a friends house for dinner and these were perfect to take with me to share. 

I stuck to the same recipe as provided - the classic Joy of Baking site recipe here. The variations you can do with Biscotti is as vast as your imagination could take you. Add in any kind of nuts, raisins, dried fruits etc or bake them and then dip them in chocolate, or coat them with icing, or drizzle them with sugar - whatever your heart fancies. 

Please check the Joy of Baking site for the entire recipe.

Let's look at the step by step process here.

In a mixing bowl, add the following and mix together well and set aside.

All Purpose Flour - 1 3/4 cup
Baking Powder - 1 tsp
Salt - 1/4 tsp

In an mixing bowl or an electric mixing bowl, take 2/3 cups of sugar.

Add two large eggs.

Whisk and combine the eggs and sugar well in high speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. Mix for about 5 mins or until the mixture falls back in ribbons when  you lift out the whisk.

Now add the dry mixture to this wet mixture and combine together till all of it is mixed well.

The mix will look a little crumbly.

Now, to add the fun stuff - 3/4 cup of blanched whole almonds or chopped almonds. I had some slivered almonds and used those in place.

Add the almonds to the dough.

Next add the chocolate chips along with the almonds.

I used the semi sweet mini morsels.

Fold the chocolate chips and almonds into the dough until well combined.

Move the dough as a ball on to a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Moisten hands with a little water and press down the dough to form a flat log about 12 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. 

Bake this in a pre heated oven at 350 F for about 25 mins. The top will firm up after baking. Take the log out of the oven and rest for about 10 mins.

Using a serrated knife, cut sidewise into long thick slices.

Move these slices again to a baking sheet and bake for a second time for about 10 mins on each side turning them once in between.

That's it - they're done.

Time to dunk some in coffee - u ready for some?

Enjoy. Peace Out.