A few days ago I posted my review of Very Valentine, the first in a trilogy by Adriana Trigiani, with Brava, Valentine coming in February 2010, followed by the third book (tentatively titled Ciao, Valentine) in 2011.
I mentioned that food played a major role in setting the mood of Very Valentine, and that several recipes are included in the back of the book. Well, in the interest of research, part of the full-immersion book review here at She is Too Fond of Books, I made a batch of Chocolate Biscotti.
The results are in the pic at the top of this page – Y.U.M! I had a really hard time convincing my kids that “they’re not a cookie, but a grown-up treat, to enjoy with coffee.” Here’s the recipe, from page 379 of the Very Valentine paperback:
- Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 stick unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs (beat one at a time)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 8 ounces chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chips
- Directions:
- Combine the above ingredients in a mixing bowl until the mixture reaches a thick, doughy consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and line a baking sheet with tin foil.
- Wet your fingertips, and shape the dough into two logs.
- Bake at 350 degrees until the tops are cracked (approximately 25 minutes).
- Cool the logs for 10 minutes, and then slice.
- Toast each side of the biscotti for 8 minutes at 300 degrees.
- Enjoy!
There are seven additional recipes in the back of the book, and more recipes online at Adriana Trigiani’s website.
OMG! Those look soooo good. I feel a baking session coming on. I think Mr. BFR would appreciate it (no, no, I wouldn’t be baking for *me* — just being a good 1950s wife).
That book did sound like my kinda read. But Dawn! I’m still dieting! Looking at that picture about sent me over the edge.
Oh – I LOVE biscotti – any flavor, any time, but always with a cup of strong coffee.
I have only made them once – but I think I need to try to perfect that skill (and I am sure the family wouldn’t mind one bit)
Sounds delicious! I’ll be reading that book for a book club in a few weeks, so I’m going to have to make a point of getting it early so I can make one of the recipes and bring it to the party.
They look wonderful and best of all, match your granite countertop, so if you make them and get the mix all over, no one will know!
Yummy!
Glad you could use your blog as an excuse to conduct some culinary research! They look delicious.
I’ve never made biscoti, but this recipe sounds yummy. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve always loved biscotti, ever since I was a kid!
Those look de-lish~!
You’ll do anything in the name of a fair review! Those look delicious!
I have never eaten biscotti, but I like the look of these, and they seem simple to make. I also like that they are chocolate, so I will be printing out this recipe for future use. I am excited to hear that Very Valentine included recipes. I just finished another book about food that did not feature any recipes, and I really felt cheated.
I’m sitting here trying to ignore my chocolate craving and I see this? I’m going to have to try it.
I have always wanted to try to make biscotti and this looks like a great recipe to try.
I loved this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the latest one! I’m going to have to give this recipe a try!
These look so good. I love to buy biscotti but I’ve never made them. They look so easy. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
they look very good.
Yum yum! I love biscotti. Can’t wait to give this recipe a try!
Wow.. I bet this goes great with a warm and steaming cup of coffee.. Thanks for posting! I’ll try making this one on my day-off.
Adriana, do not know how to contact you, so–I recieved your book, Don’t Sing at the Table, signed by you–you made my day, I loved the book, love your writing, love your Grandma’s, you have so much life lessons taught right in your home–what an Italian background, I want your Grandma’s love their strong will to carry out the family, I thank you for the book, it was a great surprise to me and look forward to hearing from you. Grazie, Virginia DiNello 6605 Appleridge Drive, Boardman, Ohio 44512. Tanti Grazie. Ciao Bella.