Whole Wheat Biscotti with Raisins and Walnuts

Whole wheat flour and walnuts give these cookies a hearty flavor, while raisins add mellow sweetness. With olive oil and other wholesome ingredients, these are one of the most healthful cookies. They keep well at room temperature in a covered tin and can also be frozen.

MAKES: 6 dozen biscotti

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs
• 1¼ cups sugar
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1 cup raisins

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the unbleached all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and olive oil together using a wooden spoon until well combined.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) into the egg mixture until evenly moistened.
5. Add the chopped walnuts and raisins to the dough and stir until they are well blended. The dough will have a soft consistency.
6. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Lightly moisten your hands and shape each piece into a 12-inch by 2-inch log. Place 2 logs on each prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 4 inches apart.
7. Bake the logs for 25 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Remove the baking sheets from the oven (keep the oven on) and let the logs cool for 10 minutes.
8. Transfer each log to a cutting board and, using a large, heavy knife, cut each log diagonally into ½-inch-thick slices.
9. Arrange the sliced biscotti about ½ inch apart on the baking sheets and return them to the oven.
10. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the biscotti are crisp. Remove the biscotti from the baking sheets and cool them on wire racks.
11. Once cooled, the biscotti can be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen in plastic bags for up to 1 month.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Coffee Break: Enjoy these biscotti with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The nutty flavor of the walnuts and the sweetness of the raisins complement the rich flavors of coffee perfectly. Dip the biscotti in your coffee for a moment to soften them slightly before taking a bite.
• Tea Time: These biscotti make a lovely accompaniment to a hot cup of tea. Their crunchy texture and the combination of raisins and walnuts provide a delightful contrast to the soothing and aromatic flavors of tea. Choose your favorite tea variety, whether it’s black tea, green tea, or herbal tea, and enjoy a relaxing tea break with these biscotti.
• Dessert Delight: Serve these biscotti as a dessert option alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. The biscotti’s wholesome whole wheat flavor and the natural sweetness from the raisins make them a healthier dessert choice. The combination of textures and flavors will make for a delightful and satisfying dessert experience.