Vikki's Biscotti Toscani

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup slivered almond
• 1/3 cup butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 teaspoons orange zest, grated
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. 1

   Place almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

2. 2

   Set almonds aside to cool.

3. 3

   Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. 4

   Beat in eggs, vanilla, almond extract and orange zest.

5. 5

   Blend in flour, baking soda, nutmeg and salt.

6. 6

   Fold in nuts, getting them well distributed.

7. 7

   Grease and flour baking sheet.

8. 8

   Form dough into 2 logs about 12 inches long each; then flatten out to be about 1/2 inch high.

9. 9

   Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.

10. 10

    Bake at 325 degrees for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

11. 11

    Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.

12. 12

    On a cutting board, slice each loaf diagonally into 1/2 to 1 inch slices.

13. 13

    Place slices flat on baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

14. 14

    Cool on wire rack.