Well, there is one kind of cookie that is always a hit with Mr. C. (As if he doesn’t like practically any kind of cookie!) But none the less, biscotti, of any flavor, is always a hit with this cookie lovin guy.

So, when we were invited to dine at our friends Paul and Barbara’s home, I decided instead of bringing flowers or a bottle of wine, I would make some biscotti for them to accompany their morning or afternoon cup of coffee or tea. And then, why not try out a new recipe since they are friends and probably would forgive me if the biscotti turned out less flavorful than I expected. And then why not an orange flavored biscotti with mini chocolate chips? Why not, indeed! And the recipe you find below is the result of my adventure.

And oh my, the biscotti turned out much better than anticipated. Not too much orange flavor or overwhelmed with chocolate. Just a nice combination of flavors. And nicely crunchy. But not a jaw breaker.

So, if you too are a fan of biscotti, I recommend you give this recipe a try. And if you have never made biscotti, why are you waiting? If it’s for an engraved invitation, allow me to provide that right here and now.

Dear reader,

You are cordially invited to make biscotti at your earliest convenience.

Yours truly,

Patti

Well, that’s it for today. I’ve started a new book, and the heroine is in dire need of my help. And so far, I can’t see any possible way she is going to avoid either life imprisonment or possibly even a death sentence. (In other words, she’s in deep doo-doo!) So, it must be Patti to the rescue! Or at the very least, I must be a witness to how the sleuth detective is going to save her neck! (Someone has to do it!)

So, ta da for now. But I’ll be back, and after I finish the book, I’ll provide you with not only the name of the book, but also the author. So, stay tuned.

In the meantime, peace and love to all. And happy biscotti to one and all.

2 c. unbleached all-purpose flour, fluffed

1½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. kosher salt

zest of 1 lg. orange

½ c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temp.

¾ c. granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla   

2 lg. eggs, room temperature

1 c. mini chocolate chips

sprinkling sugar (see picture below)

Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest together in a small mixing bowl.  

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add the flour mixture in 3 batches with the mixer on low speed. Beat just until blended. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.  

Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-inch diameter log. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet that will fit in your refrigerator. Lightly sprinkle with sprinkling sugar.

Refrigerate for at least 90 minutes.

Remove from fridge and transfer the logs to a larger baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spaced at least 3-inches apart.

Bake in a pre-heated 350-degree oven until light golden, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 10-15 minutes. (Keep the oven on go.)  

Place the logs on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife (I use my big old butcher knife, but a serrated knife works well too), cut the logs on a slight diagonal into ¾-inch thick slices. Arrange cut side down back on the baking sheet. Bake until a nice golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature.

Sparkling sugar