Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti

Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti Recipe - Authentic Italian Delight

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti is a delicious and crunchy treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe combines the rich flavors of Ghirardelli chocolate with the nutty crunch of almonds to create a delightful dessert or snack.

History

Biscotti, which means "twice baked" in Italian, originated in the city of Prato in Tuscany. Traditionally, biscotti were made with almonds and were enjoyed dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine. Over time, different variations of biscotti have been created, including this Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti recipe.

Ingredients

2 large eggs
2 tbsp instant coffee
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 cup softened butter
0.75 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sliced or chopped almonds
4 oz (113 g) chopped bittersweet chocolate (unsweetened baking chocolate can be used)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Lightly grease and flour a large baking sheet (I sprayed it with PAM).
In a small bowl, stir together the eggs, instant coffee, and vanilla until well blended, then set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg mixture.
Gradually add the flour mixture, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the chocolate and nuts.
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion of dough into 2 logs, each measuring 14" long, 1.5" wide, and 1" thick.
Place the logs on the baking sheet.
Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Set the baking sheet on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.
Remove the logs to a cutting board (I usually just cut them on the cookie sheet) and cut them with a serrated knife, diagonally into slices that are 0.5 inches thick.
Place the slices upright, 0.5 inches apart (not on their sides).
Bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly dry.
Remove to a rack to cool. I leave mine on the cookie sheets to cool.
Then drizzle with melted chocolate (I melt the chocolate in the microwave). The chocolate is just my addition, but it goes well with a cup of coffee.
Store the biscotti in an airtight container.

Variations

Substitute the almonds with your favorite nuts, such as walnuts or pistachios.
Add dried fruit, such as cranberries or apricots, for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle white chocolate over the biscotti for a sweeter touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the biscotti while it is still warm to prevent it from crumbling.

- For a more intense coffee flavor, you can use espresso powder instead of instant coffee.

- To enhance the chocolate flavor, use Ghirardelli chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect biscotti is to bake it twice. The first bake sets the dough, and the second bake crisps it up, giving it that classic crunchy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have instant coffee, you can use espresso powder or omit it altogether.

- You can use any type of chocolate in this recipe, but Ghirardelli chocolate will give you the best flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut 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 plate and drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti pairs well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, or dessert wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, nuts, and dairy (butter and chocolate), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti is a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of protein and healthy fats.

Summary

Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of Ghirardelli chocolate with the crunch of almonds. This recipe is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, and it can be made ahead of time for convenience.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti. It was during a trip to San Francisco many years ago, when I stumbled upon a quaint little café nestled in a corner of the city. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As I entered the café, I was greeted by the warm, inviting smile of the owner, a kind elderly woman with twinkling eyes and a mischievous grin. She introduced herself as Mrs. Carmichael and welcomed me to her humble establishment. The walls were adorned with colorful paintings and photographs, giving the place a cozy and homely feel.

I settled down at a small table by the window and ordered a cup of coffee and a piece of Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti. The biscotti arrived on a delicate china plate, its rich aroma filling my senses with delight. I took a bite and was instantly transported to chocolate heaven. The biscotti was perfectly crisp on the outside, yet chewy and moist on the inside, with a decadent chocolate and nutty flavor that lingered on my palate.

I couldn't resist asking Mrs. Carmichael for the recipe, and she chuckled softly before handing me a worn, creased piece of paper. "This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family," she said, her eyes glowing with pride. "I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do."

And so, with the recipe in hand, I embarked on a culinary journey to recreate the magic of Mrs. Carmichael's Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti in my own kitchen. I gathered the finest ingredients – Ghirardelli chocolate, toasted nuts, flour, sugar, eggs, and a pinch of love – and set to work.

The process was meticulous and time-consuming, but oh, the results were worth it. As the biscotti baked in the oven, my kitchen filled with the intoxicating scent of chocolate and nuts, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they emerged golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had succeeded in capturing the essence of Mrs. Carmichael's masterpiece.

I shared the biscotti with my family and friends, who marveled at the rich, indulgent flavors and crunchy texture. They couldn't believe that I had made them from scratch, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Mrs. Carmichael's recipe had truly become a treasure in my culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I continued to make Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste and experimenting with different variations. I added dried fruits, spices, and even a splash of liqueur to create new and exciting flavors. Each batch was a labor of love, a tribute to the dear old lady who had inspired me with her passion for baking.

As I grew older, my hands became gnarled and my eyesight dimmed, but my love for cooking never wavered. I passed down the recipe for Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti to my children and grandchildren, instilling in them the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. They, too, fell in love with the rich, chocolatey goodness of the biscotti and cherished the memories of Mrs. Carmichael and her quaint café in San Francisco.

And so, the tradition lives on, a legacy of love and culinary heritage that transcends time and space. Mrs. Carmichael may have long since passed away, but her spirit lives on in every batch of Ghirardelli Chocolate Nut Biscotti that is lovingly made in kitchens around the world. And for that, I am forever grateful.