African Spiced Biscotti

Ingredients

In this African adaptation of the Italian biscotti, we incorporate traditional African spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to infuse the cookies with a warm and exotic flavor. Additionally, we add ground peanuts and dried fruits, such as dates and apricots, to provide a chewy texture and a touch of sweetness, giving the biscotti a unique African twist. We alse have the original recipe for Biscotti del Lagaccio, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) ground peanuts 1/2 cup (60g) ground peanuts
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried dates, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) dried dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried apricots, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) dried apricots, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 6g (1.5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (12g sugars)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   Fold in the ground peanuts, dried dates, and dried apricots until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log, approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
7. 7.
   Place the logs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
8. 8.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the logs cool for 10 minutes.
10. 10.
    Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch thick slices.
11. 11.
    Arrange the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the biscotti are crisp and golden.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and allow the biscotti to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground peanuts — If you have whole peanuts, you can grind them in a food processor until they reach a coarse texture. Be careful not to over-process, as it may turn into peanut butter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can toast the ground peanuts before adding them to the dough.
• Experiment with different dried fruits, such as raisins or figs, to customize the biscotti to your liking.
• If you prefer a sweeter biscotti, you can drizzle them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice.

Serving advice

Serve the African Spiced Biscotti alongside a cup of African spiced tea or coffee for a truly authentic experience. These biscotti are perfect for dipping, so enjoy them by dunking them into your hot beverage of choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the biscotti on a platter or in a decorative tin, showcasing their beautiful golden color and specks of dried fruits and peanuts. Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.