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Semifreddi's-Style Biscotti
Semifreddi's-Style Biscotti (post #69636)
For those not familiar w/ this Bay Area product, their biscotti are very crunchy and are filled w/ lots of almonds. I'd love to duplicate them.
The main thing that is different than the recipes that I've made at home is that they have a lighter texture; there are lots of holes. Obviously that has to do w/ the amount/ type of leavening. I tried one yesterday from the Sur La Table baking book, and although it was good, it has a very dense crumb. I see that Semifreddi's uses baking soda rather than baking powder-that is probably it?
Any guidance most appreciated.
Here is a cut and paste from their website:
ALMOND BISCOTTI
INGREDIENTS: ALMONDS, SUGAR, ENRICHED UNBLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, EGGS, BUTTER, CINNAMON, BAKING SODA
Our biscotti are loaded with almonds that are freshly roasted to enhance and preserve their rich and earthy flavor. The almonds are not blanched or peeled, but slowly and gently roasted. The rich flavor of the nuts is accented with a hint of cinnamon. Whether on the trail, in a café or at home, these biscotti make a great accompaniment to all beverages hot or cold. In other words, this cookie kicks butt!




I do hope someone comes up (post #69636, reply #1 of 4)
I do hope someone comes up with an answer! I've made more biscotti this past year than I ever have before, and would love a lighter variety. There was a fight between my parents for the last piece of triple ginger biscotti!
I can't remember if I've used baking soda for them though, perhaps that and beating the hell out of it is the key?
But, but, it's SUPPOSED to taste like that!
I figured out two of their secrets! (post #69636, reply #2 of 4)
(In the interest of food science, I stopped by one of their stores and bought a package.)
The crispiness is because the cookies are wider than they are tall, and therefore, there is more of a crisp crust on the top.
1) They are cut differently. The recipe I used (SLT's baking book) has you make a flattened log, which is sliced 3/8-inches thick on the diagonal after baking, then baked again. The "exposed" part of the cookie is about an inch high.
Semifreddi's slices are a inch wide, and 5/8 inch high. In other words, they bake theirs very flat and make the slices wide. They do not appear to be cut on the diagonal.
2) They have some sort of wash on the top-it is slightly shiny.
Otherwise, they taste pretty much the same. The baking powder versus baking soda didn't seem to make much of a difference in the taste.
Thanks for the info! (post #69636, reply #3 of 4)
Thanks for the info!
But, but, it's SUPPOSED to taste like that!
I'll report back after I try (post #69636, reply #4 of 4)
I'll report back after I try it out.