What I love about biscotti is that it requires you to sit down and enjoy it. It is no “grab and go” kind of treat– there are far too many crumbs for that! Biscotti is meant to be savored with a strong cup of coffee. Although I think it is technically in the cookie category, it is really it’s own variety for that reason. The other thing I love about biscotti is you can make it as simple or as extravagant as you want. Since I had intended these to be part of a balanced breakfast, I kept it pretty basic. I was going to dip them in chocolate (because, why not?), but when I shared them with my girls at work, they said they were just right. So here you have it, a simple, slightly sweet breakfast treat. Enjoy!

Almond & Orange Biscotti

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup. butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract (I prefer vanilla)
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• dash salt
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 TBL orange zest
• 2 teaspoons milk

How to:

1. Cream butter and sugar until nice and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, incorporating after each addition. Beat in extract.
2. In separate bowl combine the dry ingredients. Slowly add to the cream mixture and mix well. Stir in almonds and orange zest.
3. Transfer to wax/ parchment paper and chill the dough for about an hour. This will make forming the logs easier!
4. With extra flour on hand, divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape in about 12 in x 3 inch rectangles. Brush with milk and sprinkle with a bit of sugar.
5. Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
6. Let cool for about 10 minutes and turn your oven down to 300. Transfer to your cutting board and slice diagonally with a serrated knife in about 1/2 inch pieces. Place cut side down on baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10 minutes on each side or until firm and crunchy. The idea is to dry out the cookies, not get them too dark.

Tips: Cut logs slowly. I had a couple of slices that crumbled in half when I got a little too excited.

Change up the flavors! You can really add anything to the basic recipe.