Today’s Spotlight is on Biscotti.

Biscotti, known also as cantucci, are Italian almond biscuits that originated in the Tuscan city of Prato. They are twice-baked, oblong-shaped, dry, crunchy, and may be dipped in a drink, traditionally Vin Santo.

Biscotti are Italian almond biscuits that are twice-baked, oblong-shaped, and dry. They are also known as cantucci. Biscotti are one of the oldest biscuits originating from Europe. They are enjoyed as a cookie, with a meal or a cup of coffee; dipped, dunked, or dry.

Origin:

• Biscotti originated in Prato, Tuscany in the 14th century.
• The word “biscotti” comes from the Medieval Latin word biscoctus, which means “twice-cooked or baked”.
• Christopher Columbus brought biscotti to America.

Description:

• Biscotti are dry, crunchy, and can be dipped in a drink like coffee or tea.
• They are often made with inclusions such as dried or fresh fruit, nuts, and chocolate chunks or chips.
• An individual cookie may have as many as 230 calories and 11 g of fat.

Flavors:

• Biscotti are made in a variety of flavors.
• American bakers add dried fruits and extract flavorings to add sweetness and flavor.

Biscotti are unique because they are:

• Baked twice: Biscotti are baked twice, first in a log shape, then sliced and baked again. This gives them their dry, crunchy texture.
• Long shelf life: The second baking dries and preserves the biscotti, giving them a long shelf life.
• Lower in fat and sugar: Biscotti are often lower in fat and sugar than other traditional cookies.
• Easy to make: Biscotti are easy to make and have endless recipe options.
• Vegan and vegetarian friendly: Biscotti can be made vegan and vegetarian friendly.

 

History

Biscotti originated in ancient Rome. They were made with a simple mixture of flour, water, and sometimes nuts or honey.  The Roman Legions carried biscotti to battle.  They were a long-lasting source of nourishment during long journeys.

The first biscotti were often referred to as Biscotti di Prato. They were created in the 14th-century Tuscany in the city of Prato. They were made from almonds, which were abundant in the region.

Today’s biscotti are a far cry from the original. They have become a popular accompaniment to espresso, cappuccino, and Vin Santo.

 

Here are some fun facts about biscotti:

• The word “biscotti” comes from the Medieval Latin word biscoctus, which means “twice-cooked or baked”.
• In Italy, biscotti refers to any cookie or biscuit that has been baked twice.
• In Tuscany, biscotti was referred to as Cantucci Di Prato.

 

Here is a Biscotti Recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 1vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
• ¾cup granulated sugar
• ½cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2eggs
• 2teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2cups all-purpose flour
• 1½teaspoons baking powder
• ½teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1¼cups slivered almonds, coarsely chopped.

 

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Position rack in center of oven. With a small knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and place them in a small bowl. Add the sugar and use your fingers to mix the vanilla evenly into the sugar. Set it aside. With an electric mixer, cream the butter until light. Add the vanilla sugar and mix until fluffy. Add the eggs and the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and almonds and stir into the butter mixture.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 3 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, shape each piece of dough into a log that is about 1¼ inches in diameter. Place the logs on the baking sheet, spacing them as far apart as possible. Bake in the center of the oven until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
3. Place the logs on a cutting board and let them cool slightly. With a serrated knife, cut the logs on the diagonal into ½-inch-thick pieces. Place on the baking sheet, cut side down. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes, turning once. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.
4. Enjoy

Consumption

On average, people consume almond biscotti 1.19 times per year. Biscotti are popular in Italy and are often served after dessert with orange juice. They are also common in coffee shops and cafes worldwide.

 

Celebrating Biscotti

National Biscotti Day is celebrated on September 29.  It has been observed annually on September 29th since 2014. National Biscotti Day is also celebrated on February 12, so you get two bites at these cookies.

Let us know in the comments which day you are going to celebrate.