1/2 c. butter, room temperature
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
Combine butter, sugar and eggs, mixing well. Beat in vanilla. combine dry ingredients and chopped nuts. Add to egg mixture. Batter will be very stiff and sticky. Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or more.
Divide the dough in 2 loaves about 12 inches long and flatten slightly. Place loaves on 10 x 14 inch sheet, leaving at least 3 inches between. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven. Cool slightly; lower oven to 375 degrees. continue to bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, or until firm. While still warm, slice loaves in diagonal slices, about 1/3 inch thick.
Variations: Add 1 cup cocoa and 1 1/2 c. chocolate chips to flour-nut mixture. Dip one end of the biscotti in melted chocolate
Goes Great with Coffee!!!
