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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Chocolate and Brazil Nut Biscotti


The Chocolate and Brazil Nut Biscotti Recipe These biscotti, darkened with cocoa powder, are ideal to serve after dinner with strong, black coffee.

Ingredients:
1 cup whole Brazil nuts, shelled
1 1⁄3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted, extra for dusting
1⁄2 cup cocoa powder
1⁄2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1⁄2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Method:
1 Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the nuts on a baking sheet. Bake for 5–10 minutes. Cool slightly, rub in a kitchen towel to remove excess skin, then coarsely chop.

2 Mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.

3 Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and form 2 logs, each 8in (20cm) long by 3in (7cm). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes.

4 Cool slightly, then cut diagonally into 11⁄4–2in (3–5cm) thick slices with a serrated knife.

5 Return to the oven for 15 minutes, turning after 10, until golden and hard to the touch. STORE These will keep in an airtight container for more than 1 week.

BAKER’S TIP:
The hard, crunchy texture and toasted taste of biscotti is obtained by double-baking. This technique also allows them to keep well for a relatively long time.

Chocolate and Brazil Nut Biscotti
Chocolate and Brazil Nut Biscotti