Biscotti

I've tried many lovely biscotti recipes in my time, but I think this one is the best so far.  It has a lovely delicate texture, not a twice-baked, rock-hard one.  It was given to me with very specific instructions for the baking and cooling.  They came out perfect the first time.  Who am I to argue with someone's Italian mother?

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cups nuts and dried fruit, combined
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 egg white, beaten with a splash of water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• grated rind of one lemon or orange
• 2 tbsp of amaretto or Grand Marnier

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Mix flour and baking powder in one bowl.
3. In another larger bowl mix all but the nuts and dried fruit (use an electric mixer on medium).
4. With wooden spoon mix in nuts and fruit, then flour mixture.
5. Form into 2 logs (flatten them into rectangles) on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush with egg whites.
7. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden.
8. Remove and let stand for 10 minutes.
9. Cut into diagonals (approx. 2cm).
10. Place on side on same sheet.
11. Bake another 15-18 minutes, then stand upright to cool.

Suggested flavours: pistachios and dried cranberries, chopped dates and pecans, hazelnuts and apricots, cinnamon and hazelnuts, mini chocolate chips, macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips with dried cranberries

Makes 2 dozen.

Recipe given to me by my husband's coworker who got it from her mother.