Coffee Almond Biscotti

Ingredients :

• 1 stick butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ tspn almond extract
• 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup finely ground almonds
• 2 tspn baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped (optional)

Preparation and Cooking Instructions :

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, almond extract, and espresso. Beat well. In another bowl, combine flour, almonds, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter mixture and lightly beat until dough forms. Transfer to floured board and lightly knead. Divide in half and press each into 8" x 4" loaf. Transfer to uncoated baking sheet and bake 40 to 45 minutes, until firm.
3. Remove from oven, leaving oven on.
4. Cool on sheet 10 minutes. Then transfer to cutting board and cut across width into ½" thick slices. Place on sheet, cut side up, and bake 10 minutes longer on each side.
5. Let cool and store or coat with chocolate.
6. To coat: melt chocolate in small saucepan over pan of simmering water. Spread about ½ teaspoon chocolate over half of one side of each cookie.
7. Place on plate and chill until chocolate sets. Store at room temperature.

Cooking & Baking Resources :

• Recommended Cake Baking Books
• Recommended Baking Magazines
• Cook's Tools & Gadgets