I’m 25 and a half (but who’s counting?), and I think I might finally be an adult.
No, it’s not because I have my own apartment, eco-friendly car, healthcare plan, or bank account. It’s not because I’ve done my own taxes (or paid someone else to) for the last 3 years. And it’s not because I take a multi-vitamin almost everyday, or because I made a conscious choice to put my TV in storage.
It’s because biscotti are my new favorite cookies.
Let’s be honest, biscotti are not that sexy. Who gets to the register at Starbuck’s and–seeing all the spiced, frosted, or swirled things glimmering in the case–goes straight for those dry, individually wrapped, oversized croutons? Even if you dip those suckers in chocolate, they still don’t really seem to have much going for them.
Well, that’s what I used to think. It wasn’t until Tony and I tried our hand at these crispy Italian cookies that I really began to appreciate how awesome they are. Tony’s favorite recipe is loaded with toasted almonds and flavored with a touch of amaretto. Crunchy and lightly sweet, there is nothing that cozies up to a warm cup of coffee better than these little guys. Absolutely no chocolate necessary.
We brought a tin of them to my family reunion this year–which is always an incredible display of baking prowess—and our humble biscotti held their own in the midst of expertly frosted sugar cookies, Rice Krispie treats, and Oreo truffles. People really enjoyed them!
I like to think that this newfound love for biscotti is more than that…perhaps it’s an indication of a wider transformation of my palate. I no longer buy granola with one eye on the Cap’n Crunch, or secretly hope that a box of Pop Tarts will find its way into my shopping cart. I eat veggies because I crave them, not just because I know I should or because Mom has gussied them up for me.
Or maybe I just really like these biscotti. Either way, give these a shot this holiday season. They’re really easy to make, and though they are not calorie free, it’s certainly better than eating a double-fudge turtle brownie.
Happy dunking!
You’re hilarious, Sharon. “Individually wrapped, oversized croutons.” But yes, you’re right. However, if THESE biscotti were next to the check out at Starbucks, I would get them. They are delicious!
I love biscotti, too.
I remember a moment when I felt like an adult… It was Thanksgiving, and the house was full of people. The various groups separated, and I was in the kitchen with the women, not playing games with the kids in the den. It’s funny how that moment stands out in my mind.
I’ve never been a big biscotti fan either, but I may have to try my hand at some of these. YUM!
Susan, I love that you shared the first moment when you felt like an adult. Mine is when Andy and I went to India for 3 months together on our own and navigated our way around the sub-continent when we were 21.
I knew I was an adult when I started eating cookies for breakfast. And I too love biscottis. That and a cup of tea. Perfection!
Ah, I can’t wait to make these. I’ve been waiting for this recipe since the family reunion, and yes, they most certainly did hold their own among all the other delicacies. The other cookies I was going to make this morning have been set aside for these jewels! I’m meeting two friends for lunch tomorrow, and these will be my gift to them! Thanks, Sharon! (And Tony!)
Hahaha! I loved reading this post!
I didn’t know we were so close in age! I just turned 26
I agree with you, all those things make you an adult, but a changing palate does the most
Hey…love the look of the site!! Keep up the great work!!
I love dipping biscotti into a hot cup of coffee. It’s the perfect afternoon pick me up!
Oh…and I am 35 with 2 kids…and am still waiting for the moment when I feel like an adult.
I make biscotti for ME over the holidays, because, well, yes, nearly everyone else avoids them.
I just pulled cranberry-pistachio biscotti from the oven. They have a bit of anise flavoring in them too.
Happy Holidays, Sharon!
To the best of my knowledge I have not one drop of Italian blood in me, yet many of my favorite cookies are Italian — pignoli, pizzelle, ricotta cookies and, yes, almond biscotti. There’s nothing better than a mid-afternoon break with coffee and biscotti, unless it’s an after dinner treat of the same thing.
I’m not going to say when I felt like an adult because it’s kind of depressing. But I noticed my daughters becoming “adult” at around 25. Especially me eldest because of a specific incident that happened on her 25th birthday.
Great post! I love Biscotti, but mostly if I make them as there are far too many “sweet croutons” out there! My favorite and hubby’s too is one I made up….Dried bing cherries, pistachios, then one side dipped in chocolate when all done! Yum!!!
Almond biscotti and lemon vanilla biscotti are simple and elegant. Thanks for the post!
I don’t like anyone who doesn’t like biscotti. They’re just down right anti-American! I love all kinds of biscotti. Take the basic recipe ( delicious ) and make it your own. I’ve added dried cherries and chocolate, candied ginger and orange, rosemary and almonds…the possibilities are endless and all are wonderful ! I enjoyed watching you make yours. Nice to see you have so much FUN making these little bits of heaven on a bis…cotti !