๐ช Almond-Anise Biscotti: A Delicious Delight ๐ช
Almond-Anise Biscotti is a delightful Italian twice-baked cookie, known for its crispy texture and unique flavor combination of almonds and anise. ๐ฎ๐น๐ฐ
๐ History:
Biscotti, which means “twice-cooked” in Italian, has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. They were a staple for travelers and soldiers due to their long shelf life. Almond-Anise Biscotti, or biscotti di mandorla e anice, has been a popular variation in Italy for centuries.
๐ง Components:
The ingredients you’ll need are:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole almonds
- 2 tsp anise seeds
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
๐ฉโ๐ณ Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, almonds, anise seeds, baking powder, and salt.
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Whisk Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract together until well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. It might be a bit sticky.
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Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
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First Bake: Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes or until they are firm and slightly golden.
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Cool and Slice: Allow the logs to cool for about 10 minutes, then slice them diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices.
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Second Bake: Arrange the slices back on the baking sheet, cut side down. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they become crispy and golden brown. You can flip them halfway through if you want them extra crispy.
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Enjoy: Let your biscotti cool completely before indulging. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or dessert wine.
โฐ Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Almond-Anise Biscotti is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including baking and cooling time.
Now, go ahead and enjoy these delightful, crunchy treats! ๐ช๐๐ฎ๐น
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond-Anise Biscotti:
๐ช Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per 1 biscotti):
- Calories: 60-70 kcal
- Total Fat: 2-3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
- Sodium: 30-40 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 9-10 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Sugars: 4-5 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
๐ Health Information:
- Low in Saturated Fat: Almond-Anise Biscotti tends to be low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Low Sodium: They are also relatively low in sodium, which is important for those watching their salt intake.
- Source of Protein: While not a significant source of protein, they do provide a small amount, which can contribute to your daily protein intake.
- Moderate Calories: One biscotti has around 60-70 calories, making it a reasonable treat when consumed in moderation.
- Carbohydrates and Sugars: They contain carbohydrates and some sugars, so be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your sugar intake.
Remember that the specific nutritional values may vary depending on the exact recipe and portion size. Enjoy your Almond-Anise Biscotti in moderation as part of a balanced diet! ๐ช๐ฟ
