Citrus and nuts are a staple in Southern Italian kitchens. If you’ve ever smelled those two aromas wafting through the air during baking, it’s hard to forget. Eaten together they’re the perfect healthful snack. In Italy the heavenly combination of almonds and oranges is used in sweets and for special occasions.

This Almond and Orange Biscotti recipe is a centuries-old Calabrian tradition that can be enjoyed at breakfast, during a coffee break, or as dessert with a sweet wine, such as a Passito. I like to make this recipe in large batches and freeze them. They make delicious edible gifts and can be quickly defrosted if you get unexpected guests.

*Recipe from the Diabetes Cookbook For Dummies

Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 45min plus cooling time Yield: 14 servings

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups almond flour

½ cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon unrefined sea salt

4 large eggs

2 Tablespoons pure honey

2 Tablespoons orange juice

2 Tablespoons orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

½ cup whole almonds, toasted, and slied in half

Directions

          1        Preheat oven to 375 F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon mats.

          2        Stir flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl with a wooden spoon to combine.

          3        In another large bowl, combine eggs, honey, orange juice and zest, vanilla and almond extracts, and mix well to combine.

4. Pour egg mixture into flour mixture. When done mixing stir in the opposite direction to make sure that all ingredients have been incorporated.
5. Stir in almonds. Drop dough onto baking sheet to form 2 (14 x4-inch logs that are spaced 2-3 inches apart.
6. Wet your fingertips, and smooth out the logs into even shapes. Bake for 20-25 minutes until logs are golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 325F degrees. Carefully transfer logs to work surface, and using a serrated knife, cut them into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Re-line the baking sheet and arrange slices on the sheet. Bake again for 10 minutes, or until golden. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Serve with espresso or coffee for dunking.

Note: Almonds are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, Vitamin E, and magnesium which support good heart and skin health as well as muscle function. Almonds also provide a good source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants which contribute to overall wellbeing.