American-Style Vanilla Biscotti

🇺🇸🍪 American-Style Vanilla Biscotti 🍪🇺🇸

What is it?
American-style vanilla biscotti is a delicious and crunchy Italian-inspired cookie that has become a popular treat in the United States. Biscotti, which means “twice-baked” in Italian, is known for its distinctive dry and crunchy texture, making it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

History:
The history of biscotti can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a twice-baked bread called “bis coctum” was a staple for Roman soldiers due to its long shelf life. The modern concept of biscotti as we know it today, with various flavors and forms, including vanilla biscotti, emerged in Italy. Over time, biscotti made its way to the United States, where it gained popularity as a coffee shop favorite and a versatile dessert option.

Components:
To make American-style vanilla biscotti, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds or other nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Steps to Prepare:

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

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

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and continue mixing until well combined.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If you want to add nuts or white chocolate chips, fold them into the dough at this stage.

6. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, shape each portion into a log, approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.

7. First Bake: Place the logs onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and set.

8. Cool Slightly: Remove the baked logs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

9. Second Bake: Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into diagonal slices, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Lay the slices flat on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they become crispy and golden.

10. Cool Completely: Once the biscotti are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Total Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare American-style vanilla biscotti typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours, including preparation and baking time. It’s worth noting that most of this time is hands-off, allowing you to multitask or enjoy a cup of coffee while you wait for these delightful cookies to be ready! 😊🍪☕

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for American-style vanilla biscotti (per one biscotti, approximately 25g):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 2g

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calorie Content: A single biscotti contains around 100 calories, which makes it a reasonable treat when consumed in moderation.

2. Moderate Fat: With 4g of total fat per biscotti, it’s not excessively high in fat. However, it’s important to be mindful of portion size.

3. Cholesterol: There is 20mg of cholesterol in one biscotti. While this is a relatively small amount, it’s still a consideration for individuals monitoring their cholesterol intake.

4. Sodium: Biscotti has 60mg of sodium, which is relatively low. Be cautious if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, but for most people, it’s not a significant source of sodium.

5. Carbohydrates: Biscotti are primarily composed of carbohydrates, with 15g per serving. Keep this in mind if you’re managing your carb intake.

6. Protein: Each biscotti provides 2g of protein, which is a modest amount. Protein is essential for various bodily functions, including muscle repair and immune support.

7. Sugar: There’s 7g of sugar per biscotti, which is relatively moderate. However, be mindful of added sugars in your diet.

In summary, American-style vanilla biscotti can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, but it’s important to consume them in moderation due to their calorie and sugar content. Pairing them with a hot beverage like coffee or tea can enhance the experience while keeping portion sizes in check.