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Recipe: Festive Almond Biscotti

The whole flat smells of almonds and oranges – like Christmas! I’ve dug into Deb’s archives full of treasures on Smitten Kitchen and pulled out the most delicious recipe for almost biscotti. This is my first attempt at making biscotti, ever, and she nailed the recipe for beginners like me. It was on Deb’s blog in 2008 and she adapted it from a Bon Appetit recipe from way back in 1999. So it’s tried and tested (and makes a ton, so plan on sharing)! They’re great to have around the house for morning tea and coffee, especially if you have guests staying for the holidays.

Almost Biscotti Recipe Little Observationist

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange liqueur
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 cup whole almonds, toasted, coarsely chopped or sliced almonds
  • 1 large egg white

Pre-heat the oven to 350F / 176C. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, liquor and orange zest.

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Toss in the almonds and stir.

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Using a wooden spoon, blend the dry ingredients into the rest.

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

With floured hands, split the dough into two and shape into pieces about 13 inches long and about 2-3 inches wide. Place these on the baking sheet.

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Whisk your egg white until it’s foamy and then brush over the top of the biscotti.

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Pop the biscotti into the oven for 30 minutes, until it’s golden brown. Take out and transfer the biscotti on the baking parchment to a wire rack. Leave it to cool for about 25 minute. Keep the oven on to maintain the temperature.

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Using a serrated knife, carefully cut into 1/2 inch slices.

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Put the slices cut side down onto your baking tray and lay them – cut side down – onto your baking tray. They’ll need about 12 more minutes in the oven. Then take them out and flip them over.

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Set them out on a plate for all to enjoy!

Recipe for Almond Biscotti, Little Observationist

Make sure to store these in an airtight container so they don’t dry out quickly.

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5 Comments

  • Reply
    Hildi
    December 10, 2014 at 10:48 am

    IF that is your first attempt I am well impressed. The biscotti looks wonderful and have inspired me to go on and try making some myself.

    • Reply
      littleobservationist
      December 10, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      Thanks Hildi! I was impressed that it actually came out looking like biscotti. 45 pieces of it literally vanished by the next day when I took them to work. It’s a super easy recipe and with a bit of patience on the slicing, you can’t go wrong 🙂

  • Reply
    Diana Mieczan
    December 10, 2014 at 5:24 pm

    My Balazs LOVES biscotti. It’s his all time favourite treat. We buy it all the time and he has it daily with his morning coffee:) I hope I can try this recipe over the weekend…he would be so pleased:) xoxo

  • Reply
    Katie
    December 10, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    This sounds delicious! I bet your flat smelled amazing!!!

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