Anise-Almond Biscotti
- 1 1/2 cups (7 1/2 ounces) unblanched almonds
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure anise extract
- 3 large eggs, plus 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon anise seeds
- Sanding sugar (or granulated sugar), for sprinkling (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- Spread the almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Toast in the oven until fragrant and just beginning to turn light golden, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Transfer nuts to a clean surface; spread evenly, and let cool completely.
- Sift together flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the anise extract.
- Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the flour mixture, and beat on low speed until combined.
- Mix in anise seeds and toasted almonds.
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead to evenly distribute the nuts and seeds.
- Divide in half.
- Shape each piece into an 18-inch log, and transfer to the prepared baking sheet, about 3 inches apart.
- Brush beaten egg over the surface of the logs, and sprinkle generously with sanding sugar, if using.
- Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until logs are lightly browned and firm to the touch, about 30 minutes.
- Transfer parchment and logs to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 20 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 300F.
- Place logs on a cutting board.
- Using a serrated knife, cut the logs crosswise on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
- Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Arrange slices cut side down on the rack.
- Bake until firm to the touch, about 30 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven; let biscotti cool completely on the rack.
- Biscotti can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
unblanched almonds, flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, sugar, anise, eggs, anise seeds, sanding sugar
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/anise-almond-biscotti-390145 (may not work)