Thursday, March 5, 2009

Honey Pistachio Biscotti

Honey Pistachio Biscotti
The other night a girlfriend and I went out for margaritas. We had great fun and a few drinks, but realized we were a little old when we couldn't take the loud music anymore and ended up at a nearby coffee shop sipping chai tea lattes and nibbling on biscotti. Margaritas and chai tea? That's a girls night if you ask me.

Pistachio Biscotti
If you're in the San Diego area, The Living Room in La Jolla is quite an eclectic little spot, perfect for people watching and GOOD biscotti. I fell in love with their pistachio biscotti, most of all because it had a cute green tint. I'm one of those people who will like food if it's cute, mini, or a fun color.

Pistachio Biscotti
Since we're in a recession and all, I figure that I should make my own biscotti as opposed to spending $3 for one small, but oh-so-heavenly stick. I even decided I'd make mine green too, but ultimately forgot that part while cooking. I'm known to do that. Hubby was happy because unlike me, he doesn't think green food is attractive unless it's a veggie.

Pistachio Biscotti
I found this recipe from Ellie Krieger, one of my favorite monotone Food Network chefs. At least she doesn't have a big head, right?!

These biscotti are not quite as sweet as others I've made, but it's a nice change of pace. They pair well with tea and are an excellent mid-day snack. Other biscotti recipes instruct to turn down the oven after the first bake and let the biscotti harden at a low temperature for a slow bake; Ellie's bake at the same temperature throughout, so the process is a little more speedy! Enjoy.

Honey Pistachio Biscotti
Courtesy of Ellie Krieger

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons honey (I also added a few dollops of agave nectar for good measure)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted, shelled pistachios
sugar for sprinkling

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose and whole-wheat flours, the baking powder and salt. In a large bowl beat together the sugar, honey, eggs, oil, zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract until well combined. In batches add the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a dough. Stir in the pistachios.

Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead several times. Shape into a log about 10 inches long and 3 inches wide. Sprinkle the top with sugar to taste. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes,or until the top is firm. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes. With a serrated knife, cut 1/2-inch diagonal slices. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Turn the cookies over and bake the biscotti until golden 5 to 10 minutes longer. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. If you like yours crunchy, turn off the oven and let the biscotti sit in there for a little while longer.

34 comments:

Esi said...

Lol...your girls night out sounds like something I would do. I have had this recipe saved forever! It sounds so yum.

Miette said...

Very nice biscotti !

Cheers,

Miette

Culinary Wannabe said...

Pistachio is one of my favorite flavors. I'm with you - I'm a sucker for anything mini and cute!

Unknown said...

Making Biscotti has always intimidated me. This looks great and it doesn't sound too hard so I might just have to give it a try! :)

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

I love Ellie Krieger recipes!! Fabulous biscotti.

Shari said...

I love homemade biscotti! Looks wonderful!

Unknown said...

LOL, monotone chef :) so true, but i love her recipes! been meaning to make this one for awhile now...

kat said...

Oh, I should whip up a batch of these.

Laura said...

Your comment about ellie krieger/food tv chefs cracked me up. :) The biscotti look great.

Anonymous said...

I love the Living Room. Their pastry case always makes me hungry. And honestly, I think biscotti are one of my favorite foods. There is nothing like a cup of tea or coffee paired with a crunchy yummy stick!

vanillasugarblog said...

LOL! you are too funny.
Biscotti dipped in my morning latte is a very good way to start the day.

Snooky doodle said...

these look nice, I love biscotti I like them with a cup of coffee and these with honey are really interesting.
I prefer a coffee shop then a bar :)

Larissa said...

These look lovely. I tried making biscotti once, but the shape didn't come out quite so nice as yours did. At least they tasted good.

Chef Fresco said...

My aunt makes some delicious biscotti, but I've never ventured to make any. I might have to try your recipe!

Anonymous said...

Oh nice one....yummo.

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

I love biscottis with coffee. Love yours.

Bunny said...

Oh how I understand the music thing! Your not getting older honey just better! The biscottie look very good and easy to make!

Brilynn said...

It's been a while since I've made biscotti, I'll have to give these a go!
Although I'm with your husband and glad you didn't turn them completely green!

Anonymous said...

Chai lattes and biscotti are about my speed these days too :-) Love the honey-pistachio combo - actually probably super-delicious with chai!

Sophie said...

I'm more of a coffee shop girl myself :). These sound lovely and look so cute; I actually loove the color of pistachios! Who says veggies can only be green ;)!

Pam said...

I love anything with pistachios - this biscotti looks terrific.

grace said...

for once, i've found a version of biscotti that isn't drenched in chocolate extremely appealing--kudos to you!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

All I want now is a nice cup od tea and those biscotti! I think they would be cute green too!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

What beautiful biscotti! They look incredibly scrumptious!

Cheers,

Rosa

Anonymous said...

those are beautiful!! it's been too long since I've had pistachio anything!!

Donna-FFW said...

I would so love so do love to have a couple of these with my coffee in the morning. Looks delicious!

Emily said...

Haha - Ellie Krieger. You know, I think I've only seen her show once. Is she monotone?

Anyway, this biscotti sounds delicious. This is exactly something I crave. I just typed "cravey". I don't know why I think that's funny

La Bella Cooks said...

You can't go wrong with a yummy biscotti in hand!

tigerfish said...

Biscotti is something I promise myself that I will bake in future!
Coffee please...

jesse said...

Woooow, your pictures are beauuuuutiful! Haha, gald you had fun on your girls' night out!

Mo said...

These look sooo good. I forget how much I love biscotti until I see them around again. Thanks for posting!

Anonymous said...

two of my favorite ingredients combined. zing!

cheers,

*heather*

Olga said...

Love biscotti! And pistachios! What a great combination.

Mary said...

It's like me, I will cook it at weekend!