My Sicilian recipe site

Frank Selvaggio

DESSERTS

Nonna Selvaggio's BISCOTTI:

TWICE BAKED COOKIES

1/2 pound butter
6 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cup sugar
5 teaspoon baking powder
4 1/2 cup flour
4 oz. toasted chopped almonds
Melt 1/2 pound butter & let cool till warm.
Add 6 eggs & 2 teaspoons vanilla & beat till smooth & creamy.
Add 1 3/4 cups sugar & mix. Add 5 teaspoon baking powder & mix.
Gradually beat in 4 1/2 cups flour & stir in 4 oz. toasted chopped almonds.
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Shape into loaves on greased cookie sheet & bake at 375 deg. for 20 - 25 minutes.
Cool logs completely & slice diagonaly 1/2 inch thick.
Place slices flat on sheet & bake 8 minutes.
Turn over and bake 10 - 12 minutes.

My wife Barbara always makes sure that one batch has anise extract in it just for me. Give it a try for a great veriation. Cookies are at their best when dunked in coffee or red wine.