Orange-Almond Biscotti 

Biscotti is my favorite cookie to bake for friends, to give away as gifts, or just to eat alone.  I'm flexible.  This family favorite recipe comes straight from my secret cookie book.

HERE'S ALL YOU NEED

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted and chopped

Heat oven to 350ºF.

Beat sugar, butter, orange peal and eggs in large electric mixer bowl on medium speed.  Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.  Stir in almonds.  Divide dough in half.  Shape each half into rectangle, 10x3 inches, on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake about 20 minute or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool on cookie sheet 15 minutes.  Cut crosswise into 1/2 - inch slices.  Turn slices cut sides down on cookie sheet.

Bake about 15 minutes or until crisp and light brown.  Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.  After they've cooled, the biscotti have easily be stored in a resealable storage bag.  Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Now for those who like illustrations

Notes:

It's important to toast the almonds, so you can taste them in the biscotti. If you skip toasting, you may as well not add them at all.

Never use margarine in this recipe, ALWAYS BUTTER.  It makes a big difference in flavor.

You can use lemon zest in place of orange zest, and skip the almonds.