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When I was younger, whenever I went to my grandma's house I was always excited to bake cookies together. Her and I would always sit down at the kitchen table, and make biscotti's together. A biscotti is a delicious Italian cookie, which is baked twice to give it its signature crunchiness.
I remember the aroma of these delicious cookies as we poured each ingredient in. She would tell me about how she would make these same cookies with her mom, who came to America from Italy. Then, she put them in the oven and I would wait impatiently for them to be done, so I could enjoy what we made together.
Photo Credits: Caprice Vella
I felt like this recipe that was passed down from each generation represented a part of my cultural identity of being Italian. I already knew that these cookies came from Italy because of what my grandma had told me, but I wanted to learn more about the story of these cookies, and how they were created.
The First Biscotti
The biscotti is a popular cookie all around the world nowadays, but it was originally created thousands of years ago, in Rome. The origin of biscotti goes all the way back to ancient Rome, where this staple was created not for flavor, but for necessity. Many people have the idea that biscotti originated from Tuscany, Italy, but they actually were created in the Roman Empire, as a staple for soldiers.
These cookies originated so that they could be easily transported and enjoyed by Roman soldiers. The biscotti was a good food for them to carry around, since these cookies were incredibly long-lasting, and they were made for the purpose of durability rather than flavor.
They were made this way by being twice baked, which means baking it the first time to cook it, and the second time to completely dry it out. Although these cookies started out dry and bland, they eventually grew into the delicious cookie everyone loves.
Biscotti Through the Years
Since its original creation in Rome, the biscotti has gone through many changes and adaptations over time. During the Renaissance, a Tuscan baker named Antonio Mattei reintroduced the cookie. His recipe used almonds from Prato, Tuscany, to create a version of the biscotti called cantuccini. He paired this new version of biscottis with sweet wine, which created a delicious flavor combination. Although these cookies were originally dry and stale, the revolution of adding almonds from Prato created a delicious delicacy that became extremely popular.
As the recipe spread, many different versions of it were created, including mandelbrot, which is a Jewish spin on the recipe, cooked with oil and eggs.
In the 20th century, biscotti’s became more popular in the United States, where they were often paired with tea or coffee. Today, there are many different spins on the recipe that can accommodate health restrictions such as gluten free or low sugar. The evolution of these cookies has caused them to be a popular treat all over the world.
The Olive Blogger
Baking Biscotti
Although there are many delicious variations of biscotti’s, it started with an easy recipe that anyone can make. All you need for this simple recipe is sugar, eggs, anise extract, flour, and baking powder.
Marcellina in Cucina
When making biscotti’s, the most distinct aspect of this recipe is that they are twice-baked. They are baked twice because the first round is to cook them, and the second is to take out all the moisture, which is what causes them to be hard and dry. This gives them their signature crunchy, hard texture.
The process to do this is by baking the dough for the first time until it’s golden brown, then taking it out of the oven, cutting it into pieces, and baking it a second time.
Biscottis are cooked this way so that they can last a very long time, which is up to one month in room temperature, or three months in the freezer. As well as the longevity that comes from this process, the flavorful toastiness is also an added benefit.
Biscotti’s have become a staple in many places and for many people throughout the years since it originated. This delicious recipe has continued to grow and change over time, while still maintaining its authenticity and delicious flavor, and it is not going away anytime soon!
Whenever I'm baking biscotti's in my kitchen, it always takes me back to baking with my grandma. This tasty treat is not only a delicious dessert, but a link that connects me to my grandma, and with my past generations' history.
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