Experience a tantalizing blend of flavors with Mayan Chocolate Biscotti—a delightful treat that captures the essence of Mexican hot chocolate. Chris Michalowski from Dallas, Texas, presents a perked-up version of traditional biscotti, infused with subtle sweetness and a gentle kick of heat in every bite. The combination of aromatic spices, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans makes these biscotti an irresistible indulgence.
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1½ teaspoons coffee liqueur
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons ground ancho chili pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 ounce 53% cacao dark baking chocolate, grated
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the coffee liqueur and vanilla extract.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, ground ancho chili pepper, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the chopped pecans, semisweet chocolate chips, and grated dark baking chocolate.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a 10×2-inch rectangle on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake the rectangles at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until they are set and lightly browned.
- Once baked, place the baking sheets on wire racks. Once the rectangles are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a cutting board and cut them diagonally into ¾-inch slices using a serrated knife. Place the slices cut-side down on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake the sliced biscotti for 8-10 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Remove the biscotti from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Store the biscotti in an airtight container.
YIELD: 2 dozen biscotti
PREP/BAKING TIME: 35 minutes/20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- When shaping the dough into rectangles, ensure they are of even thickness for consistent baking.
TIPS:
- For an extra kick of heat, you can increase the amount of ground ancho chili pepper according to your taste preferences.
- To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider using high-quality dark chocolate with a higher cacao percentage.
In conclusion, Mayan Chocolate Biscotti offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian treat, infusing it with the exotic flavors of Mexican hot chocolate. Chris Michalowski’s inspired creation from Dallas, Texas, captures the essence of Mayan culinary traditions, combining aromatic spices, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans to create a sensational biscotti experience.
As you savor each bite of these perked-up biscotti, you are greeted with a delightful dance of flavors. The subtle sweetness mingled with the gentle warmth of ancho chili pepper creates a harmony that pays homage to the traditional Mexican hot chocolate, making these biscotti truly stand out.
The tender and crunchy texture of the biscotti adds a delightful contrast, making them the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you enjoy them as a morning treat or an afternoon indulgence, Mayan Chocolate Biscotti is sure to delight your taste buds and awaken your senses.
The preparation process is straightforward, making it a great option for both experienced bakers and novices looking to venture into the world of biscotti. The biscotti’s shelf life and ability to hold up well in an airtight container make them a convenient and delightful gift for loved ones or a treat to enjoy at any time.
For those who appreciate a bold and unique flavor profile, adjusting the amount of ground ancho chili pepper provides an opportunity to tailor the biscotti’s spiciness to personal preference.
In conclusion, Mayan Chocolate Biscotti is a true celebration of creativity and culinary fusion. With its homage to the rich traditions of Mexican hot chocolate, these biscotti bring a touch of adventure to traditional Italian baking. Embrace the flavors of the Mayan culture in every bite, and allow these biscotti to transport you to a world of enchanting tastes and comforting indulgence.
