Norfolk Anise Biscotti

Introduction & History

The Norfolk Anise Biscotti is a delightful treat deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Norfolk, a historic county located in the East of England. These biscuits, commonly referred to as biscotti (meaning twice-cooked in Italian), were not originally native to Norfolk but adapted over time through cultural exchange and vagabond traders. They represent a fusion of English baking techniques and Mediterranean flavors.

The biscotti recipe originated during the Middle Ages in the coastal regions of Italy and was introduced to England through medieval trade routes. The addition of anise seeds gives the Norfolk version of the biscotti its distinctive flavor. Anise, known for its sweet and aromatic licorice flavor, pairs beautifully with the humble twice-baked biscuit, balancing the sweetness and bringing forth a unique aromatic experience.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 cups
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
• Butter, unsalted - 1/2 cup, softened
• Eggs - 3 large
• Anise seeds - 1 tablespoon
• Almonds, sliced - 1 cup
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature by the time your dough is ready. This step is crucial in providing a consistent cooking environment for the biscotti. You may wish to set a cooking timer for your convenience.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

Gradually blend the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, until you form a smooth dough. Stir in the anise seeds and almonds until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will ensure every bite of biscotti is infused with the aromatic flavor and crunchy texture of these ingredients.

Cooking Process

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Biscotti

Divide the dough in half and form each portion into a log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place these logs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about three inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the logs in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Use a cooking timer to prevent overbaking.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet to firm up slightly before handling. Once cooled enough to touch, transfer them to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice the logs crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices.

Step 5: Second Bake

Place the slices cut-side down back onto the baking sheet. Bake the slices for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they dry out and crisp evenly on both sides. The aim is to achieve a crunchy texture that characterizes the biscotti.

Serving Suggestions

Norfolk Anise Biscotti are best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect accompaniment for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The crisp cookies are enhanced when dipped in your favorite hot beverage, softening the biscotti slightly and mingling its flavors with your drink.

Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a warm beverage, these twice-baked treats are a testament to Norfolk's embrace of cultural culinary influences, offering a slice of history with each flavorful bite.

Store any remaining biscotti in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crisp for up to two weeks.

Delight in the craftsmanship and tradition with every taste of Norfolk Anise Biscotti, a recipe passed down through generations and refined to please modern palates while staying true to its rich historical roots.