Ellie's Biscotti

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups unsifted flour
• 1 cup almonds, toasted, chopped (or any other nuts)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon anise extract (or use instead 2 tsp anise seed, dash of lemon and orange zest, 2 tsp. vanilla and 1 tsp. almond)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   Grease baking sheet and set aside.

3. 3

   In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and nuts; set aside.

4. 4

   In large bowl beat at medium speed eggs, sugar, butter and flavorings for 4 to 5 minutes or until well blended.

5. 5

   With a wooden spoon gradually stir in the flour mixture until mixture forms a stiff dough.

6. 6

   Divide dough in half and, with flour, shape each piece into a log, pressing them into 12 to 15 x 3-1/2-inch rolls.

7. 7

   Place both rolls in the same prepared sheet. Bake until firm and lightly brown, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

8. 8

   With a long spatula, transfer rolls to cutting board, and using a serrated knife, cut each crosswise and diagonally into 3/4-inch slices.

9. 9

   Place slices, cut side down on baking sheet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes turning once again until firm and crisp on both sides.

10. 10

    Cool on wire rack.

11. 11

    Depending on how wide you place the dough on the baking sheet, it make approximately 40.