๐ช Almond Citrus Biscotti ๐
Almond Citrus Biscotti is a delightful Italian cookie known for its crisp texture and burst of flavors. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated time needed to prepare it. ๐ฎ๐น
History:
Biscotti, which means “twice-baked” in Italian, has been around for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where they were a staple for travelers due to their long shelf life. Almond Citrus Biscotti, as we know it today, likely evolved in Tuscany, Italy, where almonds and citrus fruits were abundant.
Components:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole almonds (you can toast them for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for drizzling
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the grated orange and lemon zest and vanilla extract.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Fold in the almonds.
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Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
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First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
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Slice and Second Bake: Using a sharp knife, slice the baked logs into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. Lay them flat on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp. You can flip them halfway through for even browning.
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Optional Drizzle: If you’d like, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle it over the cooled biscotti for extra sweetness.
Total Time:
- Preparation: Approximately 20 minutes
- Baking (twice): Approximately 40-45 minutes
- Cooling time: Varies but around 10-15 minutes
The total time can vary slightly based on your baking skills and kitchen equipment, but you can expect to spend around 1 hour from start to finish.
Enjoy your homemade Almond Citrus Biscotti, and don’t forget to savor each bite with a smile! ๐๐ช๐โ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Citrus Biscotti (per serving, assuming the recipe makes about 24 biscotti):
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: Approximately 130 kcal
- Total Fat: About 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 2.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: Around 30 mg
- Sodium: About 35 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 17 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Around 1 gram
- Sugars: About 8 grams
- Protein: Approximately 3 grams
- Vitamin C: About 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: Around 2% of the DV
- Iron: Approximately 4% of the DV
Health Information:
- Almond Citrus Biscotti can be a tasty treat but should be consumed in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.
- Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They can contribute to heart health and help control blood sugar levels.
- Citrus zest (orange and lemon) provides a burst of flavor and a small amount of vitamin C.
- Biscotti are twice-baked, which makes them crispy and lower in moisture content compared to some other cookies, potentially extending their shelf life.
- However, due to the sugar and butter content, they are still considered a sweet indulgence and should not be a significant part of a daily diet if you’re watching your sugar or calorie intake.
- Enjoying these biscotti in moderation and as an occasional treat can be a part of a balanced diet.
Remember that the actual nutrition content may vary slightly based on variations in the recipe and portion sizes. It’s always a good practice to check specific product labels or use a nutrition calculator for precise information.
