Almond Biscotti: Quaresimale

👋 Almond Biscotti, or “Quaresimale,” is a delightful Italian dessert with a rich history and a delightful taste. 🇮🇹 Let’s dive into its background, ingredients, preparation steps, and time needed to make this scrumptious treat! 🍪

History:
Quaresimale is often associated with the Italian religious tradition of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. During this time, many indulgent ingredients such as eggs and butter were restricted. Almond Biscotti emerged as a clever way to enjoy a sweet treat without violating these Lenten dietary restrictions.

Components:
The main components of Almond Biscotti include:

• Almonds: Typically whole or sliced almonds are used, adding a delightful crunch.
• Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the base.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Eggs: To bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Baking Powder: For leavening and a bit of rise.
• Flavorings: These can vary but often include vanilla extract or even a touch of anise extract for a unique flavor.
• Optional: Some recipes incorporate orange zest, lemon zest, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Steps to Prepare Almond Biscotti:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and add in any flavorings you desire, such as vanilla extract.

4. Combine and Add Almonds: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Then, fold in the almonds.

5. Shape Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re evenly sized and spaced apart.

6. First Bake: Bake the logs for about 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown.

7. Cool Slightly: Allow the baked logs to cool for a few minutes, then slice them diagonally into biscotti shapes.

8. Second Bake: Lay the biscotti slices flat on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they become crisp and lightly golden.

9. Cool Completely: Let your Almond Biscotti cool completely on a wire rack.

10. Enjoy: Your homemade Almond Biscotti is ready to enjoy! Dip them in coffee, tea, or simply savor them as they are.

Time Needed:
The time required for preparing Almond Biscotti varies but typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish. This includes prep time, baking, and cooling.

So, there you have it! Almond Biscotti, or Quaresimale, is a delightful Italian treat with a rich history and a delicious flavor profile. Enjoy making and indulging in this delightful dessert! 😊🍪🇮🇹

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Biscotti:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 biscotti):

• Calories: Approximately 120-150 kcal
• Total Fat: 5-7 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
• Sodium: 40-60 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 6-8 grams
• Protein: 3-4 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: Almond Biscotti is relatively moderate in calories, making it a reasonable dessert option when consumed in moderation.

2. Good Source of Protein: It contains a small amount of protein, mainly from almonds and eggs, which can help keep you feeling satisfied.

3. Moderate Fat: The fat content primarily comes from almonds and eggs. While it contains fat, almonds provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health.

4. Low in Saturated Fat: Almond Biscotti is generally low in saturated fat, which is good for heart health.

5. Limited Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, which is beneficial for those watching their salt intake.

6. Moderate Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is moderate, with a small amount of dietary fiber, contributing to overall digestive health.

7. Limited Sugar: While it does contain sugar, it’s typically not overly high in added sugars compared to some other desserts.

8. Portion Control: Due to their dry and crunchy nature, Almond Biscotti can be a satisfying treat in small portions.

Remember that the specific nutrition content may vary slightly depending on the recipe and the size of each biscotti. When enjoying Almond Biscotti, it’s essential to practice moderation to maintain a balanced diet.