🍪 Amaretto Biscotti with Almonds 🍪
What is it?
Amaretto Biscotti with Almonds is a delightful Italian dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of amaretto liqueur with the satisfying crunch of biscotti. These twice-baked cookies are known for their distinctive elongated shape and are typically enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee or dessert wine.
History:
Biscotti, which means “twice-cooked” in Italian, have been enjoyed for centuries in Italy. They were originally created as a long-lasting food for travelers and soldiers due to their low moisture content. Amaretto, a sweet almond-flavored liqueur, was introduced to biscotti recipes to enhance their flavor. The combination of amaretto and almonds has become a classic in Italian baking.
Components:
- Almonds: The star ingredient, providing a nutty and crunchy texture.
- Amaretto Liqueur: Adds a rich almond flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Flour: The base ingredient for the biscotti dough.
- Sugar: Sweetens the biscotti and adds texture.
- Eggs: Bind the dough together.
- Baking Powder: Helps the biscotti rise during the first baking.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Toast Almonds: Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until they turn lightly golden. Remove and let them cool, then chop roughly.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of amaretto liqueur.
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Combine and Form Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a stiff dough forms. Fold in the toasted almonds.
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Shape the Biscotti: Divide the dough in half. Form each half into a log shape, roughly 12 inches long and 2 inches wide, on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between the logs.
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First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the logs are firm and 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 diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Lay the slices flat on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they become crisp and golden.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy!
Time Needed:
- Preparation: Approximately 20-30 minutes
- Baking: 25-30 minutes (first bake), 15-20 minutes (second bake)
- Cooling: Varies, but allow at least 20-30 minutes
In total, you can expect to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours to prepare and bake these delicious Amaretto Biscotti with Almonds. Enjoy your homemade Italian treat! 🇮🇹🍪🌰
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amaretto Biscotti with Almonds:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for 1 Biscotto):
- Calories: 90-100 kcal
- Total Fat: 3-4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
- Sodium: 20-25 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13-15 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0-1 gram
- Sugars: 6-8 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
Health Information:
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Moderate Calorie Snack: Amaretto Biscotti with Almonds are relatively moderate in calories, making them a suitable treat when consumed in moderation.
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Healthy Fats: The almonds in biscotti provide healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health.
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Protein: While not a significant source of protein, biscotti do contain a small amount, which can contribute to your daily protein intake.
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Sugar Content: Biscotti typically contain added sugars, so it’s advisable to enjoy them as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack.
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Low Sodium: They are relatively low in sodium, which is a positive aspect for those watching their salt intake.
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Limited Fiber: Biscotti are not a significant source of dietary fiber, so they may not contribute significantly to your daily fiber needs.
Remember that the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredient proportions used. Enjoy Amaretto Biscotti with Almonds in moderation as part of a balanced diet for a delightful treat! 🍪🌰
