Sunday, September 02, 2007

Biscotti - the ever-evolving cookie...

We are getting more anxious as there are only a couple days until we get into the new house. I'm not really looking forward to dealing with the movers and mounds of cardboard boxes, but on the plus side, it should feel like Christmas opening them all up and discovering any bits and pieces of our things that we had forgotten about. We thought we would share another quick snap of the house, this time it is from the backyard deck area. We should get some pictures of the inside up once we get moved in - not too much longer!

I don't mean to whine, but I so miss my baking supplies! I am really trying to resist the urge to buy more as I already bought a baking sheet and a 9" x 13" pan so I could make the work treats. I know, I know... just a little bit longer and I'll get them all back!

Since I probably won't have much time to bake us any snacks this week, I thought I could get a batch of biscotti made for us to munch on the next few days. As there are endless ways to change up biscotti, we rarely end up making the same recipe twice, except for the Holiday baking spree we do each year. I wanted toss together a recipe today that was a touch different and we ended up with these Lavender-Scented Lemon Pistachio Biscotti.

The base recipe is not extremely different from other recipes, however, we used olive oil as the fat and used a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat pastry flours. You could use melted butter instead of the oil, but these biscotti are so flavorful already that I don't think you would notice much flavor the butter would add. You could also use completely all-purpose flour if you so wish - I am just used to tossing in some whole wheat pastry to add a bit more nutrition. The dried lavender blossoms added a mild and sweet aromatic fragrance that played off the bright flavor the fresh lemon zest and juice added. You could probably get away with any nuts here, but I rather liked the grassy-green pistachios as we found their delicate flavor and texture melded beautifully with these not-to-sweet cookies.


17 comments:

  1. Ahhh! I'm making biscotti too, at this very moment. Yours look better though. They're thicker. Mine look skinny compared to yours.

    I think the combo of lavender/lemon/pistachio sounds good. It's very Provence.

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  2. Thank you for the Biscotti Recipe.

    I just picked the lavender in my garden to dry, maybe I will use a little of it next time I make Biscotti. I am glad you can see the end now of your "ordeal" . The reward is huge, the house you chose is magnificent from what I can see so far.Good Luck Joe and Jeff on Tuesday. Everything will go as planned. Rita

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  3. I love the combo you have here! Great recipe.

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  4. Emilie - I think these were a bit thicker than others in the past!

    Rita - I can't wait to get some lavender going next year so we can dry our own as well!

    Anh - Thank you!

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  5. Yeah the biscotti is lovely but I only have eyes for the deck :)

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  6. That flavour combination sounds gorgeous. They look so pretty too.

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  7. So far I like what I have seen from the new house. Can't wait to see more. One of your biscotti would be appreaciated this morning with my coffee. They look really good. Have a good day tomorrow! We'll be thinking of you.

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  8. I've always been interested in baking with lavender but I don't know who sells it around me. I think I need to look harder.

    Wow, nice deck! That's going to be quite nice for morning, noon, and night meals.

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  9. Hi, Joe. I thought I was a weirdo because I really miss my baking stuff, too...and I won't have it all again for three more months. The side effects and withdrawal is unbearable, isn't it? LOL.

    Your backyard deck is fantastic, and I hope you enjoy your new home. Hug your baking supplies when you all are finally reunited, okay? :)

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  10. It's at times like these that I miss my gardens. Lavender is my favourite summer/autumn flower. I would bring little bouquets indoors and use it in my tea. I'm sure there are many, many uses for it. I love it in your biscotti!!!

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  11. Wow!!! I can just picture lots of BBQ's on that deck!!! Love the gazebo!!! What a lovely place!!!
    I did a lemon and Lavendar poundcake. It definately is an aquired taste.

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  12. Cynthia - Yeah, we love the deck too!

    Katie - Thank you!

    Helene - we can't wait to show some more pictures!

    Christina - We usually find it in the bulk herb section of the markets around here.

    Mindy - I will be sure to hug them! Hee hee!

    Valli - The tea idea is great! I will remember that when we plant some next year!

    Pat - yeah, it can be a little strong in some recipes, but it was fairly mild here!

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  13. I'm not sure which looks best,your house or biscotti! Hope you love it, not long now...

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  14. Joe - Though your lavender and pistachio biscotti are gorgeous, it is the view of your back deck that is pleasantly sublime. I love the enclosed porch. I hope the move goes smoothly. Next year Eric and I hope to be in the same shoes as you two, but we're thinking Massachusetts.

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  15. Fantastic house, Joe! Keep the pics coming!
    Val

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  16. This looks like a fabulous recipe! I must grow some lavender next year.
    Great blog, BTW.

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  17. Kelly-Jane - We love the house so far!

    Shaun - Where abouts in Mass?

    Val - Thank you!

    Aimee - Thanks! It smells wonderful to have around the house too.

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