Biscotti are a type of hard Italian cookie usually served dunked in coffee. They are quite simple to make but will really impress your guests.

Step 1: Ingredients

1/3 C Butter
1/2 C Sugar
3 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Flavourful Liquid
2 tsp Citrus Zest
3 C Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 C Nuts

Italics denotes flavours you should play around with. Excellent combinations include: almond extract, lemon zest and slivered almonds; extra vanilla, orange zest and hazel nuts.

Step 2: Mix Dough

1) Cream together 1/3 C butter and 1/2 C sugar.
2) Beat in 3 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp liquid, and 2 tsp zest.
3) Mix 3 C flour, 2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt.
4) Add egg mixture to flour mixture, and stir in 1/2 C nuts. I find it easier to use my hands to get the last bit of flour in.

Step 3: Bake

Divide dough in two and form into logs. Flatten to about 3/4" thickness.

Bake at 325F for 25-35 minutes until the edges just start to brown.

Step 4: Cut and Bake Second Time

Rest the baked dough 5 minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut it into 1/2" slices.

Lay the slices down on the cookie sheet and bake 5-10 minutes on each side. The object of this is just to dry them out, so don't wait for them to brown. The longer you dry them the harder they will be, and the better for tipping in coffee.

Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Class Things Up

I often make these biscotti to give as gifts but before I do I like to add a little something extra.

Melt some chocolate in a double boiler. Dip the bottom of each biscotti in the chocolate and set on a parchment lined sheet to cool.

Wrap a half dozen or so biscotti in a cellophane bag and label so that the recipient knows to enjoy them with a hot drink.