September 21, 2010

Fall equals cozy time!

I know, fall starts tomorrow, but I couldn't resist ushering it in a day early! This is when all the fun begins and cozy times happen. Beautiful pears start to show up at the market, and all the apples too. Even though summer brings such bounty, in the way of fruit and veggies, I still prefer the food and baking of fall and winter, as I have said before.
What is this odd thing above you ask???
Why it is: Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti .


Here is the recipe:
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for baking sheet.

2 cups of all purpose flour, plus more for baking sheet ( although, I don't know why they ask for this, I didn't use any)

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ( I used Valrhona cocoa powder to get that really dark chocolate flavor and look)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon table salt

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup shelled pistachios ( 4 1/2 oz)

1/2 cup chocolate chips


1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter and flour a baking sheet; set aside

2. In medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat on low until well combined, scraping down sides of bowl if necessary. Add flour mixture; beat to form stiff dough. Beat in pistachios and chocolate chips until just combined.

3. Transfer dough to prepared baking sheet; form into a slightly flattened log, about 12 by 4 inches. ( Like the first photo on the sheet) Bake until slightly firm, about 25 minutes. Cool about 5 minutes. Reduce oven to 300F.

4. On cutting board, using a sharp , serrated knife, cut biscotti diagonally into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange, cut side down, on baking sheet; bake until crisp but still slightly soft in center, about 8 minutes.

These are so easy to make, and I just don't know why there are so darn expensive at the store. You get a package of maybe six, and they are close to six or seven dollars for the pack. Nonsense I say! Make your own, and save money.
This is my little coffee bar, and I never have to go out to get a good espresso drink. I have the milk steamer that Nespresso makes, called the "Aeroccino,"as well and it froths like a champ, and steams milk perfectly.
I made this vanilla carmel latte to have with my fresh biscotti.

Let the cozy times begin :)

8 comments:

  1. Looks like you are all set.No need for you to leave the house for coffee.

    Enjoy!


    Melinda

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'd like the same please! I, too, wonder why people pay the big bucks for biscotti when they are so easy to make and far more tasty!

    Happy autumn!

    Best,
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Im going to eat those through the computer screen!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such a feel good post Elizabeth. I definitely feel cozy now and am completely motivated to make up a batch! So yummy.
    Thank you for your comment on my post about dropping our son off at college. It meant a lot to me!
    For some reason I'm thinking you are local in the Bay Area? Are you?
    If so, we should meet up sometime!
    Have a wonderful day,
    Best,
    Terri

    ReplyDelete
  5. I pledge over anything else this Fall to make these biscotti!! I love biscotti - so amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Happy Autumn to you. I don't think I could be more excited it's here. I hope to try out your recipe soon. It looks delicious but, I must wait at least until we are finished with the apple crisp that was made yesterday

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fall makes me hungry too - really hungry. Somehow food just tastes better in this season. I answered your question on my comment section of my blog, but HAD to pop over and get tortured with these delicious biscotti. Prepare yourself, Elizabeth, if I come to California, I am coming by your house and plan to spend all my time with you in your kitchen. Until then ... Carolina

    ReplyDelete
  8. One of those biscotti would go very nicely with the cup of coffee I'm drinking!

    ReplyDelete