Chocolate-Almond Biscotti

Chocolate-Almond Biscotti Recipe - A Delightful Italian Dessert

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 24

Introduction

Chocolate-Almond Biscotti is a delicious and crunchy Italian cookie that is perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying as a sweet treat on its own. This recipe combines the rich flavors of cocoa and almonds to create a decadent dessert that is sure to impress.

History

Biscotti, which means "twice-baked" in Italian, has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries. Originally created as a long-lasting snack for travelers, biscotti has evolved into a popular treat enjoyed around the world. The addition of chocolate and almonds to traditional biscotti recipes adds a modern twist to this classic cookie.

Ingredients

1.5 cups sliced almonds, toasted, divided
1 cup softened butter
2 cups sugar
0.67 cups cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
3 eggs
1 tsp almond extract
3.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
0.5 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
2 tsp shortening (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Lightly grease a cookie sheet and set it aside.
Place 0.75 cup of toasted almonds in a food processor and pulse until they are ground.
In a large bowl, beat the butter for 30 seconds. Then add the sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat until they are combined.
Beat in the eggs and almond extract.
Beat in as much of the flour as you can with a mixer.
By hand, stir in the remaining flour, the ground almonds, and the remaining 0.75 cup of sliced almonds.
On pieces of wax paper, shape the dough into two 14-inch long rolls.
Place the rolls on the prepared cookie sheet, making sure they are at least 5 inches apart. Flatten them slightly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the centers comes out clean.
Cool the cookies on the cookie sheet for 1 hour.
Cut each roll diagonally into 0.5-inch thick slices.
Place the slices, cut sides down, on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 minutes.
Turn the slices and bake for 7 to 9 minutes more or until the cookies are dry and begin to crisp (do not overbake).
Remove the cookies from the cookie sheets and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
If desired, to make the glaze or drizzle, place the semi-sweet chips and white chips in separate small microwave-safe bowls.
Add 1 tsp of shortening to each bowl.
Microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring once. Then stir again.
If necessary, microwave for an additional 15 seconds or until the chips are melted and the mixtures are smooth when stirred.
Dip the biscotti into the mixtures or drizzle them over the tops.

Variations

Substitute dark chocolate chips for the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Add dried cherries or cranberries to the dough for a fruity twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Toasting the almonds before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor and adds a delicious crunch to the biscotti.

- Be sure to cool the biscotti completely before adding the optional chocolate drizzle to prevent it from melting.

- Store the biscotti in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Chocolate-Almond Biscotti with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect biscotti is to bake the cookies twice to achieve their signature crisp texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute for butter.

- Replace almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate-Almond Biscotti can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the biscotti on a decorative platter and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate-Almond Biscotti with a glass of dessert wine or a creamy cappuccino for a delightful combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate-Almond Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To reheat, place the biscotti in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate-Almond Biscotti contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate-Almond Biscotti contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate-Almond Biscotti contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate-Almond Biscotti contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate-Almond Biscotti is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds, butter, eggs, and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chocolate-Almond Biscotti is a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients.

Summary

Chocolate-Almond Biscotti is a delicious and versatile cookie that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor and crunchy almond texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a sweet treat or give it as a thoughtful homemade gift to friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Chocolate-Almond Biscotti. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious Italian desserts, and on that particular day, she was making a batch of biscotti.

As I watched her mix together the flour, sugar, and eggs, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. Maria smiled and told me that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her grandmother before her. She offered to teach me the recipe, and I eagerly accepted.

We spent the afternoon baking together, and as the sweet aroma of chocolate and almonds filled the air, I knew that this was a recipe I would cherish forever. Maria taught me the importance of patience and precision when making biscotti, as they require a double baking process to achieve the perfect crunch.

After the biscotti had cooled, Maria showed me how to dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle them with chopped almonds. The finished product was a work of art, with the rich chocolate contrasting beautifully with the crunchy almonds.

I brought a tin of the biscotti home with me, and my family couldn't get enough of them. They were the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time tweaking it slightly to suit my own taste. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the delicious combination of chocolate and almonds.

One of my favorite memories of making Chocolate-Almond Biscotti was when my granddaughter Emily asked to learn how to make them. She had always shown an interest in baking, and I was delighted to pass on this treasured recipe to her.

We spent a rainy afternoon in the kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and mixing them together. Emily was a natural, and she quickly grasped the technique of shaping the dough into logs and baking them until they were crisp and golden.

As we dipped the biscotti in chocolate and sprinkled them with almonds, I saw the same look of satisfaction on Emily's face that I had felt when I first learned the recipe from Maria. It was a special moment, one that I know I will always cherish.

Now, whenever I make Chocolate-Almond Biscotti, I think of Maria and the day she shared her family recipe with me. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that she passed on to me, and I am proud to continue the tradition by sharing this delicious treat with my loved ones.

And so, the legacy of this recipe lives on, from generation to generation, bringing joy and sweetness to all who have the pleasure of tasting it. I am grateful for the memories and the connections that this simple recipe has brought into my life, and I look forward to passing it on to future generations.