Apricot & Almond Biscotti Cookies

Biscotti Cookies - Corner of Yum

History

Biscotti Cookies have a long history

Today, these cookies may evoke thoughts of leisurely moments with coffee or wine with a delicious biscotti…

However, it’s been suggested that this cookie’s origins can be traced back to ancient times, when Roman Legions would carry these cookies due to their long shelf-life as nourishment during their long marches. Later it became a cookie associated and revamped within the Tuscan region of Italy. It’s been enjoyed by generations of Italians and people around the world ever since.

Mystery

Biscotti cookies have always seemed like an undertaking, a mystery..

All the steps seemed daunting. Until. Until, I was asked to make them one day, while wearing my pastry chef hat. (I don’t really have a pastry chef hat)

To tell you the truth, I was never the biggest fan of biscotti. Mostly because I like my teeth. Who knows how long those cookies have been in that glass jar? Anything dipped into hot coffee is not going to taste stale, lets get real here. The vendors peddling biscotti cookies are taking full advantage of their robust shelf life.

Illumination

However, I’ve got news for you…

Fresh biscotti cookies are a bit of a game changer, an eye opener, if you will.

A cookie that will make your dentist smile. They still offer the same dunkable capabilities that an old, washed up cookie does but finally, you’ve got a choice! To dunk or not to dunk? The ball’s in your court, sister.

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Keep reading and while you’re at it, break out your butter, sugar, flour.. and the rest of it and get cookin’! 😋

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Gather ingredients for Biscotti Cookies - Corner of Yum

Let’s do this

GATHER..

Gather the following ingredients to make biscotti cookies:

• 1 C sugar

• 1 stick of butter

• 2 tsp vanilla

• 1 tbsp. lemon zest

• 1 C chopped almonds (toasted to perfection in the oven)

• 1 C chopped dried apricots

• 3 large eggs

• 2 3/4 C flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

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Biscotti Cookies before the oven - Corner of Yum

Next…

Complete the following steps:

1. Combine and mix sugar, butter & vanilla.

2. Add eggs and lemon zest.

3. Add dry ingredients.

4. Add almonds and apricot dough comes together.

5. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Form two logs on the baking sheet and chill for thirty minutes.

7. Bake the dough in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden.

8. Chill for about 20 minutes. Note: The dough doesn’t need to be completely chilled, just not piping hot, so that it can be cut without falling apart.

9. Arrange your cookies on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, depending on your oven.

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Biscotti Cookies after the oven- Corner of Yum

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Delicioso!

Fresh and made with love - right from your very own kitchen.

Bravo!

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A New Chapter

In people’s lives, our very own “book” or story is always subject to changes of script…

Well, can you believe it?

VT to CC - Cape Cod, that is.

Well, not exactly…

Actually, the magical destination we are moving to next is called Great Island.  It's technically a peninsula just off of West Yarmouth but it's very islandy, as it is surrounded by ocean, chattering sea creatures and sand, lots and lots of sand.  Really, this is a dream come true for me, being a California girl.  The mountains and dirt roads aren't so much my bag.   Not to mention the fact that the nearest Target requires a toll and 2.5 hours from home.  Don't even get me started on the location of the nearest Whole Foods.  Enough of my spoiled ranting - let's talk about what I'll do next.   Next, after I have basked in the sun and become golden and found all the best margaritas in town, not to mention the best enchiladas and where they sell pork dumplings and would never dream of serving generic Sriracha... I'll search far and wide for the best pilates studio and maybe I'll finally try hot yoga!   I'm sure I'll be on the Paleo diet, give up gluten, and then get fed up and search out a burger that has just the right amount beef to condiment to vegetable ratio and maybe even think about opening my own burger joint, for just one moment and then it will surely pass.   Too many burgers grilling at 6 different temperatures just seems like it might be stressful.  

sigh.

Deep breaths... only three weeks to go and I can barely stand it.  I wait in breathless anticipation, as I pack our home and search daily for things I've already boxed, labeled and sent away..  The memories of my last hug from Bubbie, the fiddler crabs and windy beach keep me going until next time.  

20 more days - I can do it.

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