Biscotti or Cantuccini

8 Mar

Biscotti also known as Cantuccini are oblong, thick, brittle cookies designed to be dipped in coffee, cocoa, or dessert wine.
Originating in the Italian city of Prato the term “biscotti” comes from the Latin for “twice baked” because the cookies must be baked twice to make them dry and crunchy. Although these cookies were traditionally almond flavored, modern versions come in a wide variety of flavors. In Italy, these cookies are called “cantucci” or “cantuccini”, while the term “biscotti” is used to refer to many different types of crunchy cookies.

The first biscotti were made as a portable and durable food for Roman soldiers and travelers. They started to be made with the traditional almond flavor during the Renaissance, when it also became popular to dip them in a traditional Italian dessert wine called Vin Santo, a practice that remains common in Italy today. Many people outside of Italy prefer to dip biscotti in coffee or hot chocolate to soften them before eating them. The range of flavors that these cookies come in has also expanded hugely since their creation, and includes ingredients as diverse as walnuts, carob chips, orange zest, and anise. Some types are coated with icing or glazed with chocolate, but the most traditional ones do not have a frosting or coating.

Cranberry & Nut Biscotti
Makes 18-20

140g plain flour
85g light muscovado sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground allspice
55g dried cranberries
55g mixed nuts, toasted
butter or oil for greasing
Zest of 1 orange

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/350F/Gas Mark 4, and grease a baking sheet.

2. Whisk the sugar and the egg until it’s pale and thickened a little.

3. Sift the flour, baking powder and allspice into a separate bowl, then fold into the mixture.

4. Add the cranberries, orange zest and pine nuts and mix gently.

5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and shape into a long roll, about 28cm/11in long.

6. Transfer the roll onto the baking sheet, press to flatten slightly, and pop in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden.

7. Cool for a few minutes, then cut into 1.5cm thick slices, and lay the slices sideways on the baking sheet. Put back in the oven for another 10 minutes, or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.