Ingredients
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4 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (try a dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3 eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 1/4 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (waxed paper will not work, it will smoke.).
- In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the chocolate and sugar and grind until the chocolate is very fine. Set aside.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl combine the eggs and the vanilla. Beat at medium speed to blend.
- Reduce the speed to low, add the chocolate and flour mixtures and mix until a stiff dough forms, adding the walnuts when about half mixed.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gather it together. Divide in half. Form each half into a log 12 inches long. (Give the logs plenty of space on both sides as the width of the logs doubles during baking.).
- Carefully transfer the logs to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Pat to even up the shapes. Bake until almost firm to the touch, about 50 minutes. (I have found that 40 minutes was sufficient).
- Let cool for 10 minutes. (Do not let it cool for longer as the logs will become brittle and more difficult to slice without breaking.).
- Leave the oven set at 300°F.
- Using a spatula, transfer the logs to a work surface. Using a serrated knife, cut on the diagonal into slices 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Return the slices cut side down to the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes. (I baked mine 15 minutes and the biscotti were very crispy).
- Turn the slices over and bake until crispy and dry, about 25 minutes longer. (Again, I found 15 minutes to be good).
- Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.