Recipe: Orange Biscotti (using orange juice, tequila and almonds)

ORANGE BISCOTTI

"The addition of orange juice and tequila to this classic Italian cookie makes this a perfect pastry to serve with after dinner coffee or at teatime."

1 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tequila
1/3 cup slivered almonds
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon grated orange peel

Mix sugar and butter together, then add eggs, tequila, orange juice, orange peel and beat.

Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Then stir in the almonds. Place the mixture on a lightly floured pastry board and knead until the dough makes a ball - approximately 5-6 minutes.

Divide dough into two halves and roll the halves into a rope about the length of a cookie sheet. Place each rope on an ungreased cooking sheet.

Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheet and let cool for 6-7 minutes.

Slice diagonally to 1/2 inch pieces, lay the pieces flat on the cookie sheet.

Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 5 minutes. Turn over and bake for 5 more minutes. Let cool to room temperature and store in a covered container.

Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies
Source: The Tequila Cook Book by Lynn Nusom