Christmas-Flavoured Biscotti (Chocolate-Coconut Biscotti)

s'kat's Note:

These are adapted from the King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion, and I'm really glad I tried them out, as they were perfectly coconutty and crisp. Dipping it in not simply chocolate, but melted peppermint bark, really gave it that Christmas flavour. If Christmas tastes like decadence, that is. Perfect for gift-giving.

• Total Time: 2 hrs
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 15-18

Yield: 15.0 biscotti

• 2 large eggs
• 2⁄3; cup sugar (4 3/4-ounces)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (8 1/2-ounces)
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (3 1/2-ounces, packed)
• 1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate (6-ounces)
• 1 ¾ cups chopped peppermint , bark (10 1/2-ounces)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350-degrees.
2. Beat together the eggs, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla until creamy like pancake batter.
3. Gently stir in flour, coconut and 1 cup of chocolate, until completely incorporated.
4. Transfer dough to a silpat or parchment covered baking sheet and shape into a rough log, about fourteen inches long (and about 2/5 inches wide and 3/4 inches thick).
5. Smooth the top with a wet dough scraper.
6. Bake the dough for about 25 minutes, until just turning golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool, up to 25 minutes.
8. Five minutes before slicing, mist lightly but thoroughly with a spray water bottle.
9. (This makes slicing the biscotti easier.).
10. Reduce oven temp to 325-degrees, wait another five minutes, then cut into 1/2-3/4-inch slices. Try to cut straight up and down, so they don't fall over during their second session.
11. Set the biscotti upright on a covered baking sheet, and bake for about 25 minutes, until very golden. Remove, and place on a rack for cooliing. These will crisp as they cool.
12. Dip half of each finished, cooled biscotto in the melted chocolate. Place on a rack over parchment or wax paper and allow chocolate to set before serving.
13. Store in an airtight container to keep crisp. If they don't come out as hard as you'd prefer, allow to sit out uncovered overnight.
14. These can be stored at room temp for about two weeks; for longer storage, wrap airtight, and freeze.

Reviews

[Sara 76]

These were really good. I didn't have any peppermint, unfortunately, so I guess I didn't get the full flavour. But yes, great with afternoon coffee! Next time I make them, I'll be sure to have the peppermint, and I possibly won't use so much coconut. I'll let you know how it goes!