A Delightful Balance Between Sweetness and Texture

When it comes to desserts, we all have our preferences. Some of us are drawn to intensely sweet treats, while others, like us, enjoy a more balanced flavor.

We love dishes that provide a hint of sweetness without overwhelming our taste buds. That's why biscotti is the perfect choice for those of us who crave just the right amount of sweetness, paired with a satisfying crunch.

The Italian Tradition of Biscotti and Espresso

One of our favorite ways to enjoy biscotti is alongside a strong espresso, just as the Italians do. We find that the boldness of espresso complements the delicate texture of biscotti perfectly, creating a delightful experience. While some prefer milky coffees, we tend to reserve them for mornings, leaving espresso for the afternoon. The moments we share with a hot cup of espresso and a crunchy biscotti are some of the most treasured in our day.

The Magic of Biscotti's Texture

What truly makes biscotti special is its texture. It's twice-baked, which results in that perfect crunch that we absolutely adore. The texture is what makes biscotti so enjoyable, and it's the reason why we love to dip it into our coffee. We appreciate the versatility of this Italian biscuit, too—whether you add nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate, biscotti never disappoints.

Making the Perfect Biscotti at Home

If you've never tried making biscotti before, the good news is it's incredibly easy! The recipe we're sharing today is for orange and almond biscotti—simple yet perfectly balanced. What makes it even better is that it doesn't require butter, so we can enjoy it without worrying about calories. This easy-to-make treat is an ideal way to satisfy our sweet cravings without going overboard.

Orange & Almond Biscotti Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg

• 110g caster sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Grated zest of a medium-sized orange

• 125g plain flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 75g flaked almonds

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. In a bowl, beat the egg and sugar together with an electric mixer until it thickens and turns pale cream in color.

3. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, folding them into the mixture.

5. Add the flaked almonds and mix them into the dough.

6. Line an oven tray with baking paper and shape the dough into a log (around 5-6cm wide).

7. Bake the log for 20-25 minutes until pale golden.

8. After 10 minutes, carefully slice the log into 1cm thick slices and place them back on the tray.

9. Return the slices to the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Flip them over and bake for another 7-8 minutes until golden and crisp.

10. Cool the biscotti on a wire rack.

This recipe makes about 20 biscotti, but feel free to double the batch to have plenty on hand. These biscotti are perfect on their own, but we especially love them with a cup of coffee.

Biscotti – Perfect for Any Occasion

We often find ourselves reaching for these biscotti not only with coffee but also as an easy treat for lunchboxes or as a complement to other desserts. Whether you're sharing them with friends, giving them as a gift, or simply enjoying them with a quiet moment to yourself, biscotti will always be a favorite.