Ingredients
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2 cups flour
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3/4 cup sugar
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3/4 cup unblanched whole almonds (ground fine in a blender or food processor, raw or roasted)
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3/4 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup unblanched whole almonds (roasted)
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1/3 cup honey
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1/3 cup lukewarm water
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract or 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan 13-15 inches long with either cooking spray and foil or parchment.
- Combine honey and water, stirring to form a solution; stir in almond extract and/or vanilla if desired and set aside.
- Combine the dry ingredients (including the ground and the whole almonds) and stir for a minute or so to combine.
- Add honey-water and stir until all the ingredients are incorporated into a thick dough.
- Divide the dough in half and form or roll into 2 logs about 12 inches long (they'll spread out as they bake so place well apart from each other in the pan)--Tip: Lightly moisten your fingers with water to prevent the dough from sticking to them. It's easier to shape the logs.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes; they should be well risen, firm, and a dark golden color. It is important that the logs bake a half hour or very close to it.
- After cooling for 5-10 minutes, slice the logs diagonally at 1/2 inch intervals with a sharp knife.
- Place the biscotti on their sides and bake about 15 minutes at 300°F until lightly colored and dry.
- If they need to bake longer than 15 minutes, turn them over to avoid over-browning the side on bottom.
- Allow to cool in the pan and store in a tin or tightly closed container.
- (Note: I usually buy raw almonds and roast them myself in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring after the first 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature before using in a recipe).