I hadn't planned another post so soon, but unfortunately I gobbled up the last of the biscotti I had made a few weeks ago. So while Jerry ate yesterday's leftover pasta and I spruced up leftover ramen, I assembled the mise en place for a new batch changing up the recipe with pistachios, lemon zest, vanilla and a hint of almond flavor. It proved to be the perfect activity to accompany the Democratic Convention.
Ingredients
• 1 cup whole pistachios raw
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup oil (olive, canola or mixed)
• 1 tablespoon pure almond extract
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Position rack in the center.
2. Spread pistachios on a baking sheet and toast in oven for about 12-15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt and sugars).
4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Add oil, extracts, and zest. Whisk lightly together.
5. When pistachios are toasted, remove from oven and coarsely chop.
6. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Add flour mixture to egg mixture; stir with wooden spoon until just incorporated.
8. Fold in chopped nuts (make sure they have cooled off before incorporating in the batter).
9. Use a large serving spoon to scoop out the dough and place it on the parchment lined cookie sheet. Add another scoop adjacent to the batter on the cookie sheet and keep going until two logs are formed. With damp fingers, form into a log shape.
10. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown in color and firm. Allow to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
11. Remove from baking sheet and transfer to cutting board.
12. Using a serrated knife, slice cookies at an angle about 1/2 - 3/4 inch thick.
13. Place slices back on the baking sheets, and return them to the oven for about another 15 - 20 minutes (the longer they stay in the oven, the crispier they get). Turn them over at the half way mark.
14. Place on a wire rack to cool.
Note: Store in a tin at room temperature for 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe adapted from shelovesbiscotti.com
