Amazing Chocolate Almond Biscotti

The most delicious part of drinking a nice cup of coffee is something to nibble on. What better to nibble on than a delectable treat like Biscotti.

A Chocolate Almond Biscotti sets off any cup of coffee whether it is an espresso, a Cappuccino, or a plain cup of rich flavored coffee like an Americano. The crunchy cookie with a nutty surprise teaming with soft chocolate just makes it a “feel-good” snack in the afternoon or anytime. Following this sweet indulgence can only seem better by eating another. The goodness of the sweet chocolate can set off this twice baked cookie by turning a mild delicacy into a mouthwatering treat. This Traditional Italian Cookie is available on the web, in various cookbooks, and in all the major grocery stores.

For those that want to try their hand on making a delightful treat, this simple recipe is easy to follow with clear directions, fresh ingredients, and a memorable product. With any cookie recipe, it takes time to construct until the cook has mastered the process. Then it will become easier with time to assemble this delicious cookie. With this traditional dessert the cook will want to make this cookie as a snack for family and friends. The cook can serve this cookie with a variety of accompanying hot drinks, but the very best drinks to enjoy with biscotti are freshly brewed coffee or an icy cold glass of milk.

Chocolate Almond Biscotti Recipe

Ingredients for Preparation

1 ¼ cup sugar
1 cup shortening, butter flavored
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
¼ cup light corn syrup*
1 tablespoon almond extract
3 cups All-purpose flour
¾ teaspoons baking powder
¾ baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup sliced almonds
8 oz. White baking chips*

Easy to Follow Directions

Combine the sugar and shortening into a large bowl, and then beat at a medium speed of an electric mixer until blended. The cook can add the eggs, light corn syrup, and almond extract. Beat until blended thoroughly to a fluffy consistency.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The cook will then add this dry mix gradually to the shortening mixture at a low speed until well blended. Then stir in the almonds until incorporated into the dough.

Divide the dough in half, and on a lightly floured surface, shape each half of the dough into a log approximately 2 1/2 inches wide, 1-inch high and 8-inches long.

Place on ungreased baking sheets, and chill for 30 minutes.
In the interim heat the oven to 350º

Bake the logs for 22 minutes, and then remove baking sheets from the oven. Cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheets. With a serrated bread knife, cut diagonally into 1-inch wide slices. Carefully place the cookies on their sides 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake the cookies an additional 10 minutes, and then cool 2 minutes on the baking sheet. Remove the cookies to racks to allow a complete cooling of the biscotti.

Place white baking chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on Medium (50% power) for 45-60 seconds. Stir and repeat at 30 second intervals until melted. Place biscotti on sheets of parchment paper
Scoop the melted white baking chips into a piping bag and tighten the bag properly. Drizzle in sweeping motions over the biscotti. The cook can also dip a fork into the melted baking chips, and with the same sweeping motion, drizzle across the biscotti. Let stand on the parchment paper until drizzle has completely set

*Tips for the Cook

The cook can substitute a maple syrup or natural agave nectar syrup in place of the light corn syrup if the cook is looking for a healthier version.

White baking chips are usually almond bark. The cook can substitute the almond bark for chocolate bark. For a healthier choice the cook can use vegan chocolate chips for the biscotti topping. The cook may have better luck with a double-boiler if they are more familiar with this process of melting chocolate.

This cookie recipe takes approximately 20 minutes of time to prepare. The cooking time will fluctuate because of various oven types, but the average cook time is 32-34 minutes. This recipe will yield 25 cookies but can stretch to 30. This is an easy and delicious treat to have for snack but also it can fit in as a delightful dessert for after dinner. This cookie is a nice tradition for cookie lovers and everyone should experience the fun it takes to make such an authentic and scrumptious cookie.

Patrick Tremblay