Almond Biscotti

An Italian favourite - and so easy to make...ideal for dipping in coffee, ice cream or even the odd glass of red wine...feel free to add your own flavours - choc chips & cocoa, vanilla & pecan, the world is your taste oyster..

Ingredients:

1 cup white or brown sugar
1/4 cup, 4 tablespoons of butter, softened
2 eggs
1 tbsp almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup shaved almonds

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Cream the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time and continue to beat for a few more minutes. Add the almond extract.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt and add to the wet mixture. Combine well then stir in the almonds.

Shape the dough with lightly floured hands into a log, approximately 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. You may find it easier to divide the dough in half and form two shorter logs. Place on a silicon (or parchment)-lined baking sheet flatten slightly and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and cool until you can handle it. Slice diagonally, into 1/2-inch slices and return to the baking sheet. Bake again until the biscotti lightly brown, about ten minutes. Flip them over and brown another few minutes. Cool and enjoy with a cup of espresso!