Chocolate~Chocolate Almond Biscotti

Nothing is better than a biscuit and a cup of tea to de-stress...and if it's chocolate, even better!  I love making biscotti (twice-baked) cookie that is easy to make and so good for when at the end of the day you just need to put your feet up and relax.

This chocolate~chocolate version came to mind when I was thinking about my mom the other day; she loved chocolate, but she also loved coffee.  In fact, she and my dad would brew a 40-cup urn of coffee daily and drink it, with every meal and in between!  I think my dad got her hooked while he was in the Navy, he drank coffee to stay alert and it just rubbed off:-D

It's a fact that coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, but I've NEVER drank coffee nor do I have a desire to, however, it doesn't stop me from adding a bit of espresso powder when I'm making something with chocolate.  Years ago a movie called "Beverly Hills Cop" with Eddie Murphy came out, and the character Serge asks Axel, "would you like a little lemon twist in your espresso?" Apparently, the "twist" of lemon takes the bitterness from the strong espresso.  So, you will notice in my recipe, I've added the zest of one lemon to do just that.

Chocolate~Chocolate Almond Biscotti

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
Zest of 1 medium lemon
1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa
2 tsp. Espresso powder
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
3 cups + 2 T King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
1 cup bittersweet chocolate bits

Preheat oven to 325F-degrees.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter thoroughly.  While mixer is on low, slowly add the granulated sugar.  Beat 2-3 minutes until fluffy.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

Start mixer on medium and add eggs, one at a time until combined.  Continue until all eggs are mixed and again, scrape down the sides of the bowl.   Add the dry ingredients and mix on low just until combined (don't over beat!)  Stir in the almonds and chocolate bits.

On a separate sheet of parchment paper, sprinkle additional granulated sugar on the surface.  Scoop out half the dough and form a log, rolling it in the sugar to coat the sides.  Place it on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with second half of the dough.  Space them 3-inches apart.

Bake in the preheat oven for 30 minutes or until the tops are set and firm.  Remove from the oven and cool 15 minutes.

Place the baked log on a cutting board and using a serrated knife, make diagonal 1/2" slices.  Lower the oven temperature to 300F-degrees and bake the slices (twice-baked!) again for 12 minutes.

Repeat with all the slices.  Allow the cookies to cool before storing them.  The best thing about Biscotti is that they have a long "shelf" life, they pack well to send to family and friends, and they are good dunkers! Enjoy!

Chocolate~Chocolate Toffee Biscotti

My baking today was inspired by a friend...a friend I have know through blogging for over five years.  Vee's blog, "A Haven for Vee"is a favorite amongst bloggers and has a ton of followers, including me who go to her blog to have chats with her and feel like we've been friends forever.

Getting back to the inspiration...Today, Vee asked her followers what their favorite song was (among other questions) and what came to mind for me was Rachel Platten's, "Stand by You."   It's a song that has come to express my dedication to our daughter, Kelly during her courageous battle with breast cancer.  I think we all can relate standing by people who need us the most in their darkest hour.  Anyway, the memory of Kelly drinking her coffee in the morning and having her favorite treat of a Heath Bar in the late afternoon inspired this biscotti.

Although listening to the song brought tears to my eyes, I know she is at peace and would have loved to have one of these biscotti's with her cup of coffee:-D

Chocolate~Chocolate Toffee Biscotti
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 T espresso powder
2 T boiling water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups King Arthur All-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1 cup Heath Toffee Bits (you can also chop a couple of Heath Bars)
3/4 cup Bittersweet chocolate chips

Glaze:
Ghiaradelli Melting Chocolate Chips
Toffee Bits

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment.

In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.  Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir the espresso into the boiling water.  Add it and the vanilla to the batter and beat on low to combine.  Add the dry ingredients and mix on low to combine, adding the Toffee Bits and chips as the mixer is running to incorporate completely.

Divide the batter into two logs, approximately 12-inches long x 3-inches wide.

Dampen your fingers a bit and smooth the surface.  Bake in the preheated oven 25 to 30 minutes.  I bake with convection, so 25 minutes was perfect.  The biscotti should look dry and slightly cracked.

Allow the biscotti to cool, about 10 minutes, then slice diagonally into 3/4-inch thickness.  Lower oven to 325F-degrees and bake for 8 minutes.  Turn the biscotti over and bake an additional 8 minutes.

Remove from the oven and transfer to a rack to cool.  Melt the Ghiaradelli Melting Chocolate piesces and spread on the bottom of the biscotti.  Then, sprinkle with additional Toffee Bits.  The glaze takes about 30 minutes to set at room temperature, or you can put them in the refrigerator to set quicker if you can't wait...I couldn't! Enjoy!

Chocolate Dipped Chai~Almond Biscotti & January's Give-Away Apron

First, Happy New Year!  It certainly came upon us quickly, but as I find I grow older, it usually does:-D!

Today, I made Biscotti--one of my favorites to make because I love those crunchy bites and they're great for dunking.  This basic recipe allows you to find your favorite flavors to enhance the dough and I've chosen Chai and Almond.  I always think of Kelly when I bake with Chai flavors because she was the one to introduce me to Chai Tea back in the 90s. The spices usually include, Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Cardamon, and black pepper.  I think it goes quite nicely with the season and a lovely snow storm possibly heading our way for the weekend!

Chocolate Dipped Chai~Almond Biscotti
4 T (1/2 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 T Chai Spice flavorings

3 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour (plain flour)

1 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. Kosher salt

1 cup chopped almonds, lightly toasted

Preheat oven to 375F-degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter, shortening and sugar together.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.

Add the vanilla and Chai Spice and mix well.  Add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix on low. When almost incorporated, add the almonds and mix on medium to combine...don't over mix!

The dough will be somewhat sticky, but I have a great way to conquer that.

I use a large scoop to measure out the dough, then, dampen your fingers and form into a log--approx. 12" x 3" x 3/4" thick.  Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Lower the oven temperature to 300F-degrees.

Allow to cool about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and use a serrated knife to create 3/4" to 1" thick slices on the diagonal.

Since the name Biscotti means "twiced baked," that's just what you will do.   Bake the slices in the oven 7-8 minutes then turn them over and bake another 7 minutes.  Transfer to a rack to cool.

While the Biscotti is cooling, melt Ghirardelli Bittersweet Melting Chocolate in a double boiler.  I used a glass bowl over a sauce pan with about 1" of water in it.

I dip the bottoms, but you can choose what area you want to dip!  I place the dipped biscotti on parchment to set--takes about 30 minutes before you can package them up.

Whether it's a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, these Biscotti are sure to please. Enjoy!

Now, as promised..ta da...January's Give-Away Apron~

These fabrics really caught my eye at my local quilt store...Wish Upon a Quilt!  If you would like to be wearing this apron while you bake, just make a comment on any posts I do this month.  Good Luck!

The Feast of St. Nicholas Peppermint Biscotti & December's Give-Away Apron

December 6th is the Feast of Saint Nicholas and I couldn't think of a better way to share the day for this time-honored figured than with baking.  It is a day celebrated with regard to his reputation as a bringer of gifts.  In the Ukraine children wait for St. Nicholas to place a present under their pillows whereas, in the Netherlands,  Dutch children put out their clogs filled with hay and carrots for his horse on December 5th.  It's for sure, it is a sweet tradition and one even our granddaughters have experienced.

Since peppermint is a flavor I associate with the season, I couldn't help but make up this Biscotti with a hint of peppermint in the dough, as well as, some crushed with white chocolate on the end.  I'm trying out some new recipes for the cookie boxes I send to family and friends.  More to come...

St. Nicholas Peppermint Biscotti
6 T unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/8 tsp. Peppermint Oil

2 large eggs
2 1/3 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder

4 oz. white chocolate, chopped and melted over a double boiler
2 candy canes, crushed

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a stand mixer, using the whisk attachment, cream the butter and sugar together.  Add the peppermint oil and mix again.  Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.

Remove the bowl from the stand and stir in the flour and baking powder.  Mix until fully incorporated.  I like to mix by hand to ensure I don't over beat.  Divide dough in half and create two logs, 8" x 2".

Lightly flour your hands to smooth a bit.  Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from the oven and cool about 10 minutes.

Slice the logs on the diagonal into 1/2-inch cookies.

 Lower oven temperature to 325F-degrees and bake another 15-20 minutes.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before spreading melted white chocolate on the ends and sprinkling crushed candy canes on.

The December apron is another symbol of the holidays--Poinsettias.  I just love this fabric and think it adds to the festivities.  If you would like a chance to win this apron, comment on the posts this month and it could be yours. Enjoy!

"Almond Joy" Biscotti

If I were to list my mother's favorite flavors, the list would start with chocolate, lemon, coconut and almond.  These Almond-Joy Biscotti would definitely hit three of her favorites!

Almond Joy was first introduced in 1946 by the Winjamy Candy Company in Boston, Massachusetts.  It had replaced the Dream Bar, created in 1936 that contained diced almonds and coconut.  In 1978 Peter Paul merged with the Cadbury Candy Company, then in 1988, Hershey's purchased the U.S. portion of the company.  Even though, Peter Paul doesn't own any portion of the company, the name still appears on the wrapper.  Remember the jingle in the 70s..."sometimes you feel like a nut, and sometimes you don't...Almond Joy got nuts, Mounds don't!"  Well, these biscotti don't have Almond Joys chopped up in them, but I did incorporate almonds, coconut, and chocolate to get my spin on this very popular combination.

Almond Joy Biscotti
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 cup sweetened coconut
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup chopped almond slices
2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together thoroughly.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula.  Add the extracts and mix once more.

Add the coconut, chocolate chips and almonds with 1 cup of the flour, baking powder, and salt to the batter.  Mix on low until blended.  Remove from the stand and stir in the remaining 1 cup of flour.  Divide the dough and pat them into 12" x 3" logs.  Dampen your hands and smooth the top of the dough.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until golden brown.

Allow to cool about 10 minutes, then use a serrated knife to slice the logs into 3/4-inch slices.  Place face down on a parchment lined baking pan.  Return to the oven and bake 7 minutes, remove from the oven and turn the slices over and bake another 7 minutes.

Allow to cool completely before packing them up into your cookie jar:-D  These cookies have a long shelf life, but I highly doubt they will last very long.  Enjoy! 

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!




  

Toasted Almond Biscotti

Biscotti, meaning "twice-baked" is one of my favorite cookies to make. The elongated treats are made crunchy by first baking in a loaf, then, slicing in 1/2-inch lengths and baked again.  For all you coffee drinkers...this is a good one for dunking!

My mother never made these cookies, but she would have loved them.  Both Mom and Dad were BIG coffee drinkers; I remember him making coffee, every morning, in a 40-cup urn and they would drink it all day long!  I inherited that 40-cup urn for catering when they toned down their habit to a Mr. Coffee in the 80s:-D  You would think I would also be a coffee drinker, but, no--I'm the only one in eight who has never drank coffee, but I still like these cookies.

The recipe comes from American Test Kitchen which I try to watch every Sunday afternoon on our local PBS station.  I had a chance to meet Christopher Kimball when he came to Seattle a few years ago and have always been impressed by their careful testing of every recipe.  I will say, I did change the method to use my Kitchen Aid, rather than a food processor that they called for.  No particular reason except I think it's easier to clean up.

Toasted Almond Biscotti
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
4 T (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 1/4 cups whole almonds, toasted lightly
1 3/4 cup King Arthur all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt*

Preheat oven to 325F-degrees.  Place almonds on a baking sheet and toast for approximately 7 minutes.  In a food processor, coarsely chop 1 cup of almonds and set aside.  Place the 1/4 cup of almonds in the processor and grind finely. (I used my small Cuisinart to do this.)

*I also used roasted, lightly salted almonds, so I did not add the 1/2 tsp. salt.  If you use a raw almond, you will want to add the salt.

Next, in the bowl of a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat the two eggs until light in color, about 3 minutes.  While the mixer is running, gradually add the sugar and beat an additional 1-2 minutes after it's been all added.

The trick to good Biscotti, that I learned in pastry school, is not to over mix the flour.  So, I sifted the flour and baking powder (also salt, if your nuts were not salted) together and removed the bowl from  the stand to fold it in.  Add the chopped and ground almonds and stir to combine.

On the bottom side of parchment paper, draw two rectangles 3" x 8" and place it on a baking sheet.
Divide the dough between these rectangles and spray a rubber spatula with a baking spray, lightly, to smooth the dough. Make sure you have about 4-inches between the two rectangles to account for spreading.

Bake in the preheated oven 25 to 30 minutes.  The Biscotti will rise and the tops will "crack" slightly.

Remove from the oven and cool 20 to 30 minutes.  Transfer the cookie "loaf" including the parchment to a large cutting board.  Use a serrated knife to slice--slightly diagonal--1/2" wide.

Place the biscotti back into the oven and bake again for 25 to 30 minutes.  I rotated the two pans after 15 minutes to get an even browning.

These lovely treats are going to my family for Thanksgiving--a time for giving. Enjoy!