Biscotti Break

When you work 80 hours a week, you learn to make the most of every free moment you get, whether it be a 15-minute cat-nap in the call room or a glorious 2-week stretch of vacation. Since I am currently enjoying the latter, I decided to bring back my blog from the dead and remind myself that I DO still have a life outside the hospital!

Today's feature is a sweet treat with a crunch that will help you get through any mundane afternoon. It'll cost up to $2 a piece at your neighborhood coffee shop, but make it at home and you'll have a whole batch for much less. Bring it to work and share... it'll make your next coffee break that much better- guaranteed!

Orange-Chocolate Biscotti
(adapted from Cooking Light- original recipe white chocolate and lemon)

Ingredients:
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsp orange zest
1tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 2/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups chocolate chips (substitute half with hazelnuts or almonds if you really want to jazz it up)

Directions:
1. Combine sugar, zest, extract, eggs in large bowl. Mix (by hand or mixer on medium) until well blended.
2. Combine dry ingredients separately.
3. Add dry ingredients gradually to wet mixture. Beat until well blended.
4. Stir in chocolate chips and/or nuts.
5. Shape into 2 logs, each about 2 1/2 in wide.
6. Bake at 300 deg F for 35 min. Remove and cool 10 min.
7. Slice rolls into about 1/2 in slices. Place cut side down and bake at same temperature for 10-12 min. Turn over and bake additional 10 min on other side.
8. Cool and serve.

*For extra special occasions, coat the bottoms with melted chocolate.

zested.

laying out the logs

gearing up for the 2nd baking cycle