Happy Holidays and Chestnut Biscotti

I've got my new Christmas camera figured out! As promised, pictures of the Chestnut Biscotti.

I want to share a scruptious Italian Biscotti recipe with you today. (I love biscotti, all kinds and experiment with them weekly.) Dennis Kercher over at The Hidden Kitchen imparted with half of his bag of chestnut flour purchased in Italy on a recent trip. I'd been searching for this flour after stumbling upon a biscotti I wanted to try some time ago. Here it is, with a few changes, and wishes for a wonderful holiday to everyone!
Chestnut Almond Biscotti with Chocolate Chunks
1/2 cup chestnut flour
1/2 cup white rice flour (or unbleached all purpose)
1 cup ground almonds (Bob's Red Mill makes great Almond Meal Flour)
1/4 cup sugar
dash of kosher salt
2 tablespoons almond butter
2 large eggs
3/4's of a regular sized dark chocolate bar, cut into small chunks
Method:
Mix the two flours together in a bowl, then take out 2 tablespoons. (This is 100 grams).
Add the almond meal, sugar and salt; mix to combine.
Mix in the almond butter to incorporate.
Add the eggs and mix until combined.
Mix in the chocolate. The dough will be sticky. (I find putting it in the fridge 30 minutes to 1 hour helps a little.)
Heat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Form the dough into a log, put on the sheet pan and flatten to about a thumb's thickness, or a tad less. You can use a piece of Saran Wrap to help with forming and flattening the log.
Cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden browned. Remove and let cool 5 minutes. Cut on a cutting board with a very sharp knife, into about 1/2-inch diagonal slices. Return to the pan, cut side down, and bake an additional 10 minutes to dry the biscotti out. I like to bake 6 or so minutes on one side, flip then the same on the second side.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight bag. They will stay fresh about a week (but I'll bet you'll gobble them up in a few days!)
I tried them with both Vin Santo, an Italian dessert wine, and a Petit Syrah Port from Heringer Estates. Both worked well but I think the Petit Syrah Port is worth the short drive to Clarksburg! They have a cozy little tasting room and other nice wines to try.

Comments
Lynn,
Great and delicious recipe! My wife is going to make it for us here in Costa Rica (yes we read your articles from this part of the world, too).
I can imagine this going fabulously with my Pete's coffee while overlooking the jungle and ocean in a quiet morning setting! Yummy.
Keep em coming, we appreciate your imagination from beyond the borders.......
Posted by: Juan Wieland | December 26, 2008 6:45 AM
What can I use in place of Chestnut flour? Thanks!
[Lynda, try garbanzo. Or you can just use unbleached white for the entire recipe but you won't get the same flavor. Garbanzo flour is probably difficult to find where you live. I'll have to share another biscotti recipe!....Lynn]
Posted by: Lynda W | December 26, 2008 7:09 AM
Hey, i've made chocolate chip biscotti and pistachio biscotti but never anything with chestnut. Anyway, I tried your recipe, which was super easy to follow. In the end they turned out great and were a hit at a recent party of mine. thx for the recipe.
Posted by: Orangeville dining guide | December 27, 2008 6:05 AM
This recipe looks delicious! Look forward to seeing the photo. Keep us updated when you find chestnut flour in the Sacramento area.
Posted by: Christine Sotelo | December 27, 2008 11:21 PM
I love roasted chestnuts! Never knew there was such a thing as chestnut flour. I'll have to find some and try these.
Posted by: Laura | December 28, 2008 9:24 AM
Happy New Year to you too!
Posted by: cohnsey | January 1, 2009 7:19 PM
Sounds heavenly. I bet the fragrance of these biscotti (almond!) is just out of this world. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Clementina | January 1, 2009 9:54 PM
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Posted by: JLehr | January 2, 2009 1:33 PM