Dark Chocolate & Orange Biscotti

Here is an alternate to the classic Almond Biscotti that is sweet and decadent. Before the purists chase me down, I know this isn’t canon, but it is great regardless. The brown sugar makes this texture a bit softer than a classic almond biscotti. If you do not have Grand Marnier, feel free to substitute with a dash of orange juice.

Time: 3 hours (including chilling & cooling). Actual assembly time is around 30 minutes.

Yield: 3 dozen

You will need:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup slivered almonds, unsalted & lightly toasted
• 2 tbs  orange zest (two small oranges or 1 large)
• 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
•  3 tbs Grand Marnier
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Dark Chocolate chips (Milk chocolate is also fine)

Step one:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Layer almonds on a sheet pan and toast for 3-5 minutes. Check the almonds every minute to ensure they do not become overcooked – the color should be very light brown. Cool.

Step two:

• Blend melted butter, sugar, Grand Marnier, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
• Add eggs.
• Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
• Stir in almonds.

Step three:

Chill the dough for 30 minutes to ensure that it is easier to work with.

Step four:

• Wet your hands (this makes shaping easier) and halve the chilled dough and form 2 loaves on an ungreased large baking sheet.
• Bake until pale golden, about 30 minutes.
• Allow the loaves to cool for five minutes on the baking sheet.
• Remove the loaves (I use a pizza spatula) and cool on a wire rack for and additional 15 minutes.
• Cut the loaves with a serrated bread knife.

Step five:

• Place biscotti (cut-side down) on a clean baking sheet and bake another 15-20 minutes. The color should be light golden.
• Cool the biscotti on a wire rack.

Step six:

• Melt chocolate chips and either drizzle over the cooled cookies or press cookies on one side into the chocolate.
• Cool and refrigerate to set. Store in an airtight container when done.