Double Chocolate/ Orange Almond Biscotti

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 (1 ounce) squares white chocolate, chopped
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 4 ounces of dark chocolate (for coating)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in cocoa and baking powder. Beat for 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in flour by hand. Mix in white chocolate and chocolate chips. Cover dough, and chill for about 10 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Divide dough into two parts, and roll each part into a 9 inch long log. Place logs on lightly greased cookie sheet, about 4 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool for one hour.
4. Cut each loaf into 1/2 inch wide diagonal slices. Place slices on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 325 degrees F ( 165 degrees C) for 9 minutes. Turn cookies over, and bake for 7 to 9 minutes. 
5. Melt dark chocolate. Coat 1 side of the biscotti with the melted chocolate. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container. 

Variation: Orange Almond Biscotti

Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
• 4 ounces of dark chocolate (for drizzle)

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in baking powder, orange extract, and almond extract. Beat for 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in flour by hand. Mix in sliced almonds. Cover dough, and chill for about 10 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Divide dough into two parts, and roll each part into a 9 inch long log. Place logs on lightly greased cookie sheet, about 4 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool for one hour.
4. Cut each loaf into 1/2 inch wide diagonal slices. Place slices on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 325 degrees F ( 165 degrees C) for 9 minutes. Turn cookies over, and bake for 7 to 9 minutes. 
5. Melt dark chocolate. Drizzle 1 side of the biscotti with the melted chocolate. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.