The Real Italian Biscotti Recipes

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN ANISE BISCOTTI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350° F (180° C). Position rack in the center.
• Grease and flour (or use non-stick spray) three 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pans.
• In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, or bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment beat the eggs on medium speed until light and frothy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Add the sugar gradually and whisk for another minute or so.
• Add the oil and extracts. Whisk for another minute.
• Incorporate the flour mixture. Mix until combined.
• Pour mixture in the 3 prepared loaf pans.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until firm to the touch
• Remove from loaf pans and let cool for a few minutes.
• Transfer to cutting board.
• Using a serrated knife, slice cookies about 1/4 inch thick (or thicker).
• Place slices flat down on parchment lined baking sheets, and bake for about another 5-8 minutes or longer, depending on your personnel preference and your oven (the longer they stay in the oven, the crispier they get). Make sure to turn the slices over to ensure even toasting.
• Can be stored at room temperature for a few weeks...if they last that long.

ITALIAN BISCOTTI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F ( 165 degrees C ).
• In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time; beat until fluffy. Stir in the anise and vanilla extracts. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt; Add them to the egg mixture along with the chopped almonds. Stir with a spoon and as the dough comes together, Knead by hand.
• Divide the dough into 4 parts. Roll each piece into a log about 15 inches long. Place logs onto cookie sheets, 2 to a sheet, the long way. Flatten the logs out until they are about 3 inches wide with a slight hump going down the middle. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, loaves should be firm. Cut the loaves into diagonal slices 1/2 inch wide, place the slices onto the cookie sheets and return to the oven. Toast on one side, then turn them over to do the other side. This will take about 7 to 10 minutes.

THE REAL ITALIAN BISCOTTI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In mixer beat eggs and anise flavoring together for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and sugar.
• Mix in the Crisco until it turns into small pieces.
• Add the egg mixture and combine (dough will be thick and sticky).
• Lightly grease cookie sheet.
• Roll dough into logs approximately the length of your cookie sheet, 1 1/2 inches thick and 1 inch high.
• Place logs on the greased cookie sheet about 4 inches apart.
• Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Remove from oven and slice diagonally.
• Lay cut side down in tray and bake about 10 more minutes.
• I have put almonds or walnuts (coarsely chopped) in batter and they do taste good., but I have found that if I put the nuts in dry mixture and then add the egg mixture it is so much easier.

ITALIAN TORCETTI COOKIES/BISCOTTI

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder and salt.
• Make a well in the middle and add the vanilla, cream and yolk, mix together with flat beaters or even a fork or spatula, until a soft compact dough forms. Move to a flat surface and knead gently a few times to bring the dough together.
• Remove pieces, roll into ropes, approximately 8 inches (20cm) long, cross the rope in the middle 1-2 times. Place the formed cookies on the prepared cookie sheet, sprinkle with cane or granulated sugar, chill while the oven is pre-heating, approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C).
• Remove from the fridge and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!