What is Biscotti?
Biscotti are oblong, thick, brittle cookies designed to be dipped in coffee, cocoa, or wine. Originally from Italy, "biscotti" translates as "twice baked" because the cookies must be baked long enough to make them dry and crunchy. Although traditionally almond flavored to complement dunks in a glass of red wine, now biscotti have multiplied with exotic flavors and creative additives.
The first biscotti emerged from an Italian countryside full of vineyards. They used abundant almonds to flavor a cookie that was so dry and crunchy, it wasn't apt to turn stale before they could dip in it wine. Soon, other European countries adapted the twice-baked recipes to their own favorite spices and special ingredients. Recently, the increase in popularity of coffee drinks has spurred the proliferation of many new kinds of biscotti. A dunk in a warm beverage softens the cookie and makes it easier to chew.
Rather than almonds, biscotti might contain chopped walnuts, cashews, pistachios or hazelnuts. Chocolate slivers, carob chips, or dried cranberries and cherries might dot a cookie flavored with spices such as ginger, cinnamon, anise, or vanilla. Even more decadent biscotti, perhaps with orange zest or mint, are coated in white chocolate or caramel icing.
Baking biscotti is relatively straightforward. A basic recipe includes flour, sugar, eggs, and sometimes butter, along with any nuts, spices, or fruits that suit your fancy. The dough is formed into one square loaf about an inch thick, which is baked similarly to a scone. When it has baked to a normal cookie consistency, the log is removed from the oven and cut diagonally into the familiar biscotti shape: round on one end and straight on the other. Now, the slices are arranged flat on a cookie sheet and baked again to make them crisp.
Biscotti can be bought singly or in batches at specialty coffee shops and bakeries for your immediate enjoyment. They also make creative gifts. As a party favor, you could individually wrap these treats in clear cellophane and tie them with a silk ribbon. The lucky recipient can peek at a pistachio biscotti speckled with green sprinkles for St. Patrick's Day, or a raspberry one coated in cherry frosting for Valentine's Day. When you take their baking into your own hands, the possibilities are limitless.
Written by S. Mithra
