a latte's bff

Over the holidays, my idea for my cousins & Aunt's this year was an idea of comfort.  A pair of maryjane slippers...TAZO tea...and fresh, homemade lemon biscotti.  

 I found the biscotti terrifically easy to make and hadn't made it since.  Since gearing up for our trip to see Joel's side of the family, I thought how wonderful to bring some up to dip in our coffee on those mornings where we're tired from staying up late laughing our faces off.  

Here is the recipe I followed:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder²
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 TBSP butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar (It is possible to reduce the sugar depending on your preference)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup walnuts -optional-I left out as we have a relative with a nut allergy
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions for easy chocolate biscotti

Set out the butter and eggs. (The butter to soften, the eggs to come to room temperature).

Pre-heat the oven to 350ºF. Butter and flour a baking sheet.

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl cream the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. While this is going on, crack the eggs, beat them lightly and stir in the vanilla. Add the vanilla egg mixture a little at a time to the butter and sugar and beat until well combined.

Slowly stir in the flour mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be stiff, this is normal. Add the chocolate chips and walnuts if you want them. Flour your hands and divide the dough in half. On the floured baking sheet, shape the dough into two, slightly squashed logs. They should be about 12 inches long and two inches wide.

Bake for about 30-35 minutes - let them cool for a good 20 minutes - using a serrated knife, slice them apart and lay them cut side up to bake again. Biscotti means 'twice baked' hence why they are so crispy and delish. 

Once they are all laid out flat, bake again for 10-15 minutes.  Once cooled, either dust with confectioners sugar or dip in white chocolate like I did.  These just make me happy.