Almond Cranberry Apricot Biscotti

🍪 Almond Cranberry Apricot Biscotti 🍪

What is it?
Almond Cranberry Apricot Biscotti is a delightful Italian cookie known for its twice-baked, crunchy texture. These oblong-shaped cookies are packed with the flavors of almonds, cranberries, and apricots, making them a perfect blend of nutty, sweet, and tart.

History:
Biscotti, which means “twice-baked” in Italian, has a long and storied history dating back to ancient Rome. However, the modern biscotti we know today are believed to have originated in Tuscany, Italy, during the Renaissance period. These cookies were favored by travelers and soldiers due to their long shelf life and durability.

Components:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Prepare:

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

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

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Stir in the chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and chopped apricots. The dough may be slightly sticky.

5. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

6. First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the logs are firm and lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.

7. Second Bake: Using a sharp knife, slice the baked logs diagonally into 1/2-inch wide slices. Place the slices back on the baking sheet, cut side down. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the biscotti are dry and crisp. You can flip them over halfway through if desired for even browning.

8. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, these delicious biscotti are ready to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!

Total Time:
The preparation and baking time for Almond Cranberry Apricot Biscotti usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus cooling time. So, in a little over an hour, you can savor these delightful treats!

Enjoy your homemade Almond Cranberry Apricot Biscotti! 🍪😊

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Cranberry Apricot Biscotti:

Nutrition Facts (Per Biscotti, approximate):

• Calories: 90-100 kcal
• Total Fat: 2-3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 15-20mg
• Sodium: 30-40mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16-18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
  • Sugars: 6-8g
• Protein: 2-3g

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: Almond Cranberry Apricot Biscotti are relatively moderate in calories, making them a suitable snack when consumed in moderation.

2. Healthy Fats: They contain healthy fats primarily from almonds, which are rich in monounsaturated fats that can be beneficial for heart health.

3. Low in Saturated Fat: These biscotti are low in saturated fat, which is known to contribute to heart disease when consumed in excess.

4. Low Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, which is good for those watching their sodium intake.

5. Source of Fiber: While they are not exceptionally high in fiber, they do provide some dietary fiber, aiding in digestive health.

6. Moderate Sugar: They have moderate sugar content due to the addition of dried fruits. It’s advisable to enjoy them in moderation if you are watching your sugar intake.

7. Protein: They contain a small amount of protein, contributing to a sense of fullness.

8. Nutrient Variety: Almonds provide vitamin E, magnesium, and other nutrients, while dried cranberries and apricots add vitamins and antioxidants.

Remember that the exact nutrition values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Enjoy these biscotti as an occasional treat, and they can be part of a balanced diet when consumed mindfully.