Almond Biscotti - Simplicity at its best...

Why is it that some of the simplest things in life are often the best? These biscuits are no exception!


What better treat to include with an afternoon coffee than a few slices of almond biscotti (Italian for biscuits).  These double baked biscuits contain no added fat and are a perfect means to utilise any leftover egg whites from other recipes.


It's difficult to believe such a tasty rustic biscuit can be made with just 4 simple ingredients - egg whites, almonds, sugar and flour.


After trying these, you won't want to go back to the store bought version - guaranteed!

Almond Biscotti

Required time: TBA
Ingredients:
  4 Egg Whites
  100gr Caster Sugar
  120gr Almonds
  120gr Plain Flour


Method:

1. Place the egg whites into a bowl and whip to stiff peak stage.
2. Continue to whip the egg whites whilst gradually adding the sugar, until a glossy mixture is obtained.  Remove the bowl from the mixer.
3. Sprinkle the almonds over the egg whites and sift the flour evenly over the top.  Gently fold the four and almonds into the mix.  Be cautious not to over mix, but be sure to just combine enough until no lumps of flour exist.
4. Grease and flour a small loaf tin, ensuring you tap the tin upside down to remove excess flour.
5. Pour the mixture into the tin and gently tap the tin on a counter top a few times to remove any air bubbles trapped in the mixture.
6. Bake for 1 hour at 180 degrees or until firm to the touch.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to rest in the tin for about 10 minutes, then turn out the loaf and allow to thoroughly cool on a rack.
8. Once cold, slice thinly (you'll need a very sharp serrated knife and use a gentle sawing motion to cut through the almonds).  Bake the slices on a greased tray until golden for about 10-15 minutes at 150 degrees.
9. Again cool the slices on a rack and store in an airtight container.
10. Enjoy...

Glazed Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln) - Who'd have thought it could be so easy?

Gebrannte Mandeln have long been a favourite of mine for as long as I can remember.  The fragrance of these cinnamon spiced, sugar coated almonds instantly conjures up fond memories of Christmas time in Austria.


Australia does have the equivalent, the glazed almond, however, I am yet to taste any that are as fresh, fragrant and crunchy as those offered at any Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) in Europe.  Well, that was until I made my own...


After a little research and experimentation, I discovered this delightful treat could easily and quickly be made at home, which is just as well, because they disappear in a flash...

Glazed Almonds


Required time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
  200gr Sugar
  1pkt Vanilla sugar
  300gr Almonds (raw and whole)
  100ml Water
  Cinnamon (to taste, can be omitted if you prefer)


Method:

1. Lightly grease a baking tray with a cooking oil spray.
2. Place the sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon and water into a pan large enough to accommodate all the almonds and stir to combine.  I like to use a large frying pan for this.
3. Over a medium heat, stir the sugar syrup with a wooden spoon until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture starts to boil.
4. Carefully add the almonds to the bubbling mix and stir them in the syrup.  Stir the mix constantly, this ensures the almonds are evenly coated with sugar and that they do not over roast.  (Stirring is the key to success with this recipe.)
5. After 5 to 10 minutes you will notice the water begins to evaporate and the almonds become covered in a cloudy crystalline sugar coating.  Keep stirring, albeit a little slower to allow the pan to heat a little more and begin to caramelize the sugar.
6. Over the course of the next few minutes the sugar will caramelize, at this point it is critical you stir to ensure all the almonds obtain an even coating of the caramelized sugar.  You may hear the almonds 'popping' from the heat, this is a good sign, you're nearly there!
7. Once the almonds look dark and glossy, remove the pan from the heat and stir for another minute or so to slightly cool, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
8. Spread the almonds out into a single layer with the wooden spoon and then with the help of two forks quickly proceed to separate the almonds into single almonds on the tray.
9. Allow to cool.
10. Enjoy...