Special Occasion Orange Pecan Biscotti

Orange Pecan Biscotti Recipe from Italy - Perfect for Special Occasions

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 12

Introduction

Biscotti is a classic Italian cookie that is perfect for special occasions. This recipe for Orange Pecan Biscotti adds a delicious twist to the traditional biscotti recipe by incorporating the flavors of orange and pecans. These crunchy cookies are perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying on their own.

History

Biscotti has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries. Originally, biscotti were made as a long-lasting food for travelers and soldiers due to their dry and crunchy texture. Over time, biscotti evolved into a popular treat enjoyed with coffee or dessert wine. This recipe for Orange Pecan Biscotti puts a modern twist on this classic Italian cookie.

Ingredients

1 and 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
1 and 0.5 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.25 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest
1 egg
0.75 cup pecans

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Toast the pecans.
Finely chop the pecans and set them aside.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract, orange zest, and egg to the sugar mixture.
Add the dry ingredients, including the pecans, and fold them in until thoroughly blended.
On a cookie tray covered with waxed paper, form the dough into a 3-inch by 12-inch log.
Remove the waxed paper and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
Set aside to cool for ten minutes, then slice diagonally and place the slices on the cookie sheet cut-side down.
Bake for another 20 minutes at 300°F, then turn the oven off and leave the biscotti in the oven for one to two hours until crunchy.

Variations

Substitute almonds or walnuts for the pecans for a different flavor.
Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough for a sweeter version of the biscotti.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavor.

- Be sure to let the biscotti cool completely before slicing and baking them a second time to ensure they are crunchy.

- For a more intense orange flavor, you can add more orange zest to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Orange Pecan Biscotti with a cup of coffee or dessert wine for a special treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect biscotti is to bake them twice. The first bake sets the dough, and the second bake crisps them up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have orange zest, you can substitute lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the dough for Orange Pecan Biscotti ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake them.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the biscotti on a decorative plate or in a gift box for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Orange Pecan Biscotti pair well with coffee, tea, or dessert wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Orange Pecan Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Orange Pecan Biscotti contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Orange Pecan Biscotti contains approximately 18 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Orange Pecan Biscotti contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Orange Pecan Biscotti contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Orange Pecan Biscotti are a good source of vitamin C from the orange zest.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and eggs.

Summary

Orange Pecan Biscotti are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and a good source of healthy fats from the pecans.

Summary

Orange Pecan Biscotti are a delicious and crunchy treat that is perfect for special occasions. With the flavors of orange and pecans, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or dessert wine for a truly special treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a picture of the most delicious-looking biscotti caught my eye. The recipe was titled "Special Occasion Orange Pecan Biscotti", and I knew I had to try it.

I had always loved baking, ever since I was a little girl helping my own mother in the kitchen. I remember the smell of freshly baked cookies filling our small home, and the joy that came with sharing our homemade treats with friends and family. Baking had always been a way for me to show love and care for those around me, and I was eager to add this new recipe to my collection.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need for the biscotti and set to work in the kitchen. As I measured out the flour, sugar, and butter, I couldn't help but think about all the memories that would be made with this new recipe. The orange zest and pecans added a unique twist to the traditional biscotti, and I knew it would be a hit at any special occasion.

As I mixed the ingredients together and formed the dough, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of sharing these delicious cookies with my family. Baking had always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, and I knew that this new recipe would be no exception. The scent of orange and pecans filled the air as the biscotti baked in the oven, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the biscotti had cooled and I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe was something special. The combination of the citrusy orange and the crunchy pecans was a match made in heaven, and I knew that this would be a recipe that I would make time and time again. I shared the biscotti with my family and friends, and they all raved about how delicious they were. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my collection.

Over the years, I have made the Special Occasion Orange Pecan Biscotti for countless gatherings and celebrations. From birthdays to holidays, this recipe has always been a hit with everyone who tries it. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a favorite among all of them.

I often think about where this recipe came from and how it found its way into my hands. I like to imagine that it was passed down from generation to generation, each baker adding their own unique twist to make it their own. I am grateful for the opportunity to have stumbled upon this recipe and to have made it a part of my own baking repertoire.

As I sit here now, with a cup of tea and a plate of Special Occasion Orange Pecan Biscotti in front of me, I can't help but feel thankful for all the memories that this recipe has brought me. Baking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones and to show them how much I care. And this recipe, with its citrusy orange and crunchy pecans, will always hold a special place in my heart.