Cookies Make You Stronger

A little treat came in the mail today with an important message I must share with all of you. . .

Cookies make you stronger.  (Jillian Michaels might disagree, but we're not on speaking terms since I starting skipping dumbbell reps on the 30 day shred. . .this is pre-surgery, of course.)

For all of you who don't have an Aunt Lin and Uncle Clay to send you magical (deliciously good) cookies to increase your strength, try this super easy biscotti recipe.  I have actually used it twice now and I love it.  

This is from Real Simple 2011 December issue.

Almond Biscotti

(recipe says it makes 60, I get about half that. . .it's my fault, somehow, I know)

Hands on Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (don't let this freak you out, I mean, I did it).

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt 

(I mean how can you mess this up)

2 large eggs

1 cup sugar (shhhh, don't tell)

1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract

1 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

2.  Using an electric green mixer (ok, color is up to you), beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy (4-5 minutes).  Beat in almond extract.

3.  Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing by hand until just combined (do not over mix).  Fold in the almonds.

4.  Shape the dough into two 2-by-10-inch logs and place 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake until golden and firm (25-30 minutes).

5.  When the logs are cool enough to handle, using a serrated knife, slice each log into 3/8 inch thick slices (I actually winged this part- 3/8 inch??  How big is that??).  Place the slices cut-side down on baking sheet (may take two if you get the 3/8 inch correct).

6.  Bake, rotating the baking sheets (if you used two) and turning the biscotti over halfway through, until dry and firm, 8-10minutes.  Let cool completely on baking sheet.

LAUREN BONUSES!!

7.  Once cool, melt some left-over chocolates from husband or any holiday in a make shift double boiler (pot simmering with water and pyrex glass bowl on top works).  Drizzle on biscotti or dip horizontally or vertically-the options are limitless!!

8.  Serve with a black tea, like English Breakfast or chai. . .mmmm.  (Ok, I guess if you like coffee I give you permission to serve with a cup of joe.)

Nutrition (without any of Lauren's bonuses)

Serving Size:  1 cookie (but you won't stop there)

Calories 44; Fat 1g; Sat Fat 0g; Cholesterol 7mg; Sodium 34mg; Protein 1g; Carb 7g; Sugar 3gm; Calcium 8mg

Picture by Victor Schrager

Ok, I must go eat more cookies to keep up my strength!

Happy Monday to you all!