Date and Walnut Biscotti

Ingredients

• 1 cup walnut pieces

• 1 cup dried dates, pitted and quartered

• 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons or 3 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more for topping

• 6 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Grated zest of 1/2 a large orange 

• 1 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (or 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons) unbleached, all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Allow the walnuts to cool completely.

2. Place the walnuts and dried dates in a food processor and process until they are finely chopped.

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula occasionally. Beat in the vanilla and the orange zest.

4. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Beat the dry ingredients into the butter mixture to form a somewhat firm dough. Add the walnuts and dates and beat until thoroughly combined. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and chill 35 to 40 minutes or until completely firm.

5. When the dough has chilled, lightly grease a baking sheet. On a floured board, use your palms to roll the piece of dough into a log slightly longer than the length of the baking sheet. Place the log diagonally on the baking sheet.

6. In a small bowl, beat the egg white with a fork until frothy. With a pastry brush, glaze the log with some egg white and sprinkle it with granulated sugar. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the log is turning dark golden brown, very firm to the touch. Cracks in the top are normal and to be expected. 

7. Allow the log to cool on the cookie sheet until cool to the touch, about 40 minutes. With a serrated knife, slice the biscotti, slightly on the bias, into 1/2-inch slices. Lay the slices on a  large sheet pan in single layer. Return the biscotti to the oven and cook for 20 more minutes, or until the biscotti are toasted and crisp.

Adapted from a Smitten Kitchen Recipe

Urban Cowgill 

June 2024