On Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:33:59 -0600, zxcvbob >
wrote:

> sf wrote:
> > On Sat, 26 Jan 2013 23:30:30 -0600, zxcvbob >
> > wrote:
> >
> >> *Almond Biscotti*
> >>
> >> 1 1/3 C Almonds (unblanched)
> >> 2 3/4 C Flour
> >> 1 2/3 C Sugar
> >> 1/2 tsp Salt
> >> 1 tsp Baking powder
> >> 4 eggs
> >> 1 tsp Anise
> >> 1 tsp vanilla
> >> grated zest of 1 grapefruit
> >>
> >>
> >> Toast almonds for 10-15 minutes at 350°. Sift dry ingredients into
> >> mixing bowl. Lightly beat eggs and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients,
> >> along with almonds, anise, and zest. [if the grapefruit is small
> >> sometimes I'll add a little lemon extract] Mix well by hand. Do not
> >> overbeat; dough will be sticky and lumpy. Shape into 3 "logs", bake on
> >> greased cookie sheet or ungreased parchment at 350° for 35 minutes.
> >> [the parchment works better]
> >>
> >> Slice into 3/4" slices with serrated knife while still warm but not hot.
> >> Bake again at 300° for 10 minutes.
> >>
> >> Notes: I don't bother to toast the almonds anymore because they get
> >> toasted enough in the second baking.
> >
> > I've been meaning to pin you down on a few points...
> >
> > Almonds - sliced or whole?
> > Anise - extract or seed?
> > I'll assume the vanilla is extract until further notice.
> > Have you ever tried it with lemon zest instead of grapefruit?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
>
> I noticed the anise ambiguity after I posted it. Aniseseed. I should
> update my recipe file. And whole unblanched almonds (I don't know that
> I've ever seen sliced unblanched almonds)
>
> Vanilla extract, but you can actually leave it out. If you're a
> vanilla-lover, don't be tempted to double it because it will dominate
> the anise and citrus.
>
> The original recipe called for lemon zest, lime zest, AND orange zest.
> I think grapefruit works better and it's easier. You can either grate
> it or finely mince it, works about the same. You could certainly
> substitute the zest of 2 or 3 lemons.
>
> The first time you make these, it's so sticky and messy you'll say
> you're never going to make them again. But they taste *really* good,
> and they get a lot easier to make with just a little practice. :-)
>
Thanks, Bob! Think I'll try them soon. I actually have everything I
need on hand, including lemon zest (because I zest lemons and freeze
it for later). I don't like the idea of dealing with whole almonds,
so I'll use sliced instead. If I want to do it again and think I need
more almond crunch, I'll move to slivered. Thinking about vanilla or
no vanilla... I have some Fiori di Sicilia, which might work well with
the anise and citrus.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.