The Finer things You Can Afford

           

Yield: About 24 large or 60 mini biscotti

 

 

 

 

 

One bag of White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Mix or ¾ of a bag of white chocolate chips mixed with ½ cup of macadamia nuts

(Both mixtures should be ground in the food processor before adding to dough)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

 

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1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in the vanilla extract. With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients gradually, beating just until blended. Add the nuts/chocolate chip mixture and mix by hand until they are just incorporated.
4. Line a heavy baking sheet with parchment paper. The dough is very sticky. Spray your hands with cooking spray and divide the dough in half and place it on the cookie sheet. Make 2 logs about 14 inches long and 1 ½ to 2 inches wide. Shape the logs using saran wrap so the dough does not stick to your hands. Put parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easier clean up.
5. Bake until the logs are firm to the touch and lightly colored, about 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and cut with a serrated knife on an angle into ¾ inch slices. Place the slices on an unlined baking sheet, cut side down, and bake until lightly colored and dry 15 to 20 minutes. They will continue to crisp as they cool.

 

 Click the link below for a supplier for Macadamia nuts online. 

http://eclecticgrocer.com/nuts.html

 

 

 

Cuisinart 15 x 10 x 1-in. Chef’s Classic Nonstick Baking SheetThis 15-in. baking sheet is ideal for warming appetizers or baking cookies. The rolled sides prevent food from sliding off when removing from the oven. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic nonstick bakeware is constructed of heavy gauge aluminized steel to provide even heat distribution and consistent baking results. The nonstick interior and exterior ensure easy food release and cleanup, and extra-thick rolled edges prevent warping. Cuisinart quality promises you a lifetime of great performance, whatever the baking task!

Cuisinart Non Stick Parchment PaperNon Stick Parchment Paper

It is always hard to decide what to bring to thank someone for having you to their home, whether for dinner or for a long weekend.  My best advice is to take the time to tailor the gift to the recipient.  For instance, it is alright to bring a bottle of wine if you know they like wine – and it is always more meaningful to bring one you know they will enjoy.  If you know they like vodka, make a flavored vodka such as cherry or limoncello.  Making a homemade gift can also be nice, a tin of biscotti or chocolate chip cookies is always appreciated.  Or bring them a little gift basket – coffee themed or pasta themed with homemade or your favorite jar of sauce.  Flowers that are arranged or a plant can be used as a centerpiece will brighten their day.  If you are not able to bring something you could always show your appreciation by picking up coffee and pastries for everyone or take them out to dinner or lunch.  There are so many ways to thank your host.