Almond Lemon and Anise Biscotti

Irmgard's Note:

These biscotti are very easy to make, even for a novice. A couple of them broke while I was slicing them for the second baking and they tasted darn good only after first! From "Williams-Sonoma Italian Favorites."

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 36 cookies

• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest , grated
• 2 teaspoons anise seeds , crushed
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole almond , coarsely chopped
• coarse sugar , for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, oil, lemon zest, aniseeds, baking powder, vanilla and salt.
3. Whisk to blend.
4. Add the flour and almonds and stir until a dough forms.
5. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth, about 10 turns.
6. Divide the dough in half.
7. Form each half into a log 2 inches in diameter.
8. Carefully transfer the logs to an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them well apart, and pat to even the shapes.
9. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar.
10. Bake until firm to the touch, about 30 minutes (the logs will spread during baking.).
11. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
12. Leave the oven set at 350 degrees F.
13. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the logs to a work surface.
14. Using a serrated knife, cut crosswise into slices 1/2" thick.
15. Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet.
16. Return to the oven and bake until brown, about 20 minutes.
17. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
18. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Reviews

[KWB]

I omitted the almonds and they were still really good. I had to tinker around with cooking temps to get the results I was after, but eventually succeeded. I didn't keep track of how I tinkered, but just want to encourage you to keep an eye on them so they don't get scorched.

[Lille]

I used grapeseed oil as the vegetable oil. I think the addition of lemon oil or extract or fiori di sicilia flavouring would enhance the lemon flavour. The anise flavour is very nice.