Orange Almond Dates Biscotti

This is actually my homework for Avid Bakers Challenge in February this year which I missed out
I finally did this, one yummy crunchy sweet munch, love it :)

Recipe is from Scientifically Sweet

What you need:

270g all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
100g whole raw almonds
75g unsalted butter
zest of 1 orange
2 large eggs
150g sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (I skipped and I added another 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract)
85g dried dates without seeds, chopped
1 large egg, well beaten

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180degC, line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in almonds, set aside
3. In a small pot, melt butter and orange zest, set aside to cool slightly
4. In another bowl, whisk eggs to blend. Gradually add in sugar, whisk til smooth
5. Slowly whisk in melted butter and vanilla extract, and almond extract if using
6. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir til most flour absorbed. Add in dates and stir til soft sticky dough formed and dates evenly distributed
7. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and divide into two parts. Roll each into 11 inches long log, flatten by hand until it's about 3 inches wide
8. Brush top and sides with beaten egg and bake until golden brown and slightly cracked at the top, about 25mins
9. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack and let biscotti cool on the pan til cool enough to handle, about 10mins or so. Reduce oven temperature to 150degC
10. Transfer each log to a cutting board and cut into slices, each approximately 3/4inch. Cut using serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion
11. Place cookies, cut side down, back on the baking sheet and bake til very lightly golden, dry and crisp about 7mins each side
12. Remove from oven and transfer cookies onto cooling rack. Let cool completely before storing into airtight container

I should have baked longer to get more browned top. And also, I had problem slicing the cookies because of the whole almond in it. I ended up having thick slices that I had to extend the baking time for each side to about 15mins

Yum! I love biscotti. Perfect with a cup of black coffee in the morning (or afternoon, or evening LOL)

This post is for Best Recipes

'Fun with Almond' April 2015, 

host by Fion of XuanHom's Mom Kitchen Diary and

 co-host by Doreen of my little favourite DIY

Recipe links HERE