Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Biscoff Biscotti & May's Give-Away-Apron

This beautiful dish was a gift from my dear friend in Japan and her staff!
I love flying on Delta Airlines; the personal service from reservation to gate staff to flight attendants (& pilot) and of course, Biscoff cookies. My experience with Delta started when I was flying back and forth between Seattle and Lexington, Kentucky as Kelly was under going surgery and later, chemo.  When the cart service came around, I always asked for an extra package of Biscoff to take to my grandson and Kelly and they happily obliged.  Now, seven years later, I still prefer to fly Delta...and Biscoff cookies!

In addition to the cookies, I've discovered a Biscoff spread that I usually have on my toast in the morning or add it to my favorite recipes.

Today, I thought I'd give it a go in one of my favorites--Biscotti; another morning treat I love to eat on the go while I start my day.  I definitely credit my mother for giving me the gift of making up recipes and I know she'd love this one with her morning coffee.

Biscoff Biscotti
8T (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup Biscoff European Spread
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 1/4 cups King Arthur All-purpose Flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
2/3 cup chopped sliced almonds
 Preheat oven to 375F-degrees.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat butter, sugars, Biscoff spread and vanilla extract together until fluffy.  While the mixer is running, add the eggs, one at a time.  Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.  
Add the dry ingredients and mix on low just until combined.  Remove the bowl from the stand and use the rubber spatula to make sure the dough is fully incorporated--DON'T OVER MIX!

Drop dough, making two lines approximately 3-inches x 15-inches--smooth to make two long logs, then gently pat the tops to flatten slightly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, lowering the temperature to 350F-degrees after 10 minutes.  The tops will be slightly cracked, dry and firm to the touch.
Cool about 10 minutes, then, transfer the logs, one at a time to a cutting board and use a serrated to slice in 3/4-inch wide biscotti. Lower the oven temperature to 325F-degrees to give the biscotti a second bake (Biscotti actually translates to twice-baked!)
You will need to line a second tray for the second log of cookies.  Place both trays in the oven and bake 7 minutes.  Remove and turn the biscotti over.  Return to the oven, changing the tray that was on the bottom to the top and the top tray to the bottom.  Bake another 7 minutes.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before storage.  These cookies are great with coffee, tea, diet Coke and of course, a glass of wine--your choice.  Enjoy!

Now, for May's apron.  This fabric, of course, has a story like most of my aprons, but even more special.  As many of you know, our Kelly passed away five years ago on May 14, 2010.  While she was undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer, friends (and family) sent her lots of gifts reflecting the familiar pink ribbon.  She said to me one day, "Mom, I love the sentiment, but I really hate pink!"  So, each May, I have done an apron featuring her favorite color, orange.  This fabric also reflects her love of vintage-looking fabrics from the 40s.  I made her a quilt when she went off to Colorado State University for her masters with 40s fabrics and her son, Ari has on his bed now.  

If you would like to win this apron, please comment on any of my posts and you will have a chance.  Double-winners are accepted!




  


15 comments:

  1. My Mom would love the Biscoff Biscotti!! and I love this apron, but of course my favorite part is the story. I know you miss Kelly and always will, wearing this apron would be a great tribute to her!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  2. I am hugging my kids extra tight tonight. they wonder why but then they don't know how I wish I could stll hug my dad. Miss him every single day.

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  3. Biscotti cookies are a favorite of mine and my husband. years ago our friend Grace made them for us to eat in-between stamping. It's nice to remember our loved ones who have passed.
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  4. Those biscotti look YUM! And the apron is beautiful! I love the one I won from you a while back. Have a great (almost) weekend!

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  5. My late mother in law used to make delicious biscotti cookies. She loved to dunk them in her coffee. It was always a treat to bring some home for our family. My BFF passed away almost 11 years ago. Her birthday was May 9th. I made her a quilt the Christmas before she left us, in greens and blues. She loved the color blue.

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  6. I have never had Biscoff cookie spread..these biscotti look so beautifully golden and crunchy.

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  7. Ha to Kelly's comment! I have always found that little pink ribbon a challenge to think positivley of. Lots of good done, but maybe it's time to refurbish the symbol. Love the apron!

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  8. My mother loved biscotti! Your apron is so cute!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  9. I look forward to seeing everyone of your beautiful aprons. The biscotti looks delicious!














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  10. Orange is also my favorite color. I enjoyed your biscotti post. I love biscotti and it is impossible to find around here. If I want it I have to make it. I can't wait to try your recipe.

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  11. Orange is also my favorite color. I enjoyed your biscotti post. I love biscotti and it is impossible to find around here. If I want it I have to make it. I can't wait to try your recipe.

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  12. I am not that crazy for pink either, orange is a very favorite of mine..It is the hottest may and soon summer in Washington state oh, my goodness worst drought in many weather recorded years, love the cookies want to make them soon...I love the apron too..from mary at maryjanesampson@outlook.com! Happy Memorial Day to you, we are going to a big cemetery to place flowers and some flags for loved ones..keep happy and love your recipes, ciao!X()X()

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  13. I don't know if it's a good thing or not, but I was able to buy Biscoff cookies at Costco recently, supposedly for a tea I was hosting. I got so busy getting everything ready the cookies never made it out. Oh darn.
    I made biscotti for the first time this past Christmas and I love it! I'm looking forward to trying your recipe but I'm not sure how safe a while jar of Biscoff will be around here.
    Thanks!

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  14. Love the color orange. When I was a kid I would not use the orange crayon in a new box of crayons because I always wanted it to stay sharp and new.
    I can't imagine how sad and painful this past 5 years have been for you all.
    It must seem like forever yet only yesterday all at the same time.

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  15. Beautiful! So very touching and soul strengthening! The Biscotti is a perfect treat with coffee or tea and the apron for donning for a day of baking!

    A lovely way to honor your loved one.
    Jenn

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