Maple Butter Walnut Biscotti

Yields: 3 dozen biscotti
Preparation: 180 minutes

Grab some of these biscotti in the morning on your way out the door to start your day right. This recipe also makes a great hostess gift.

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Stack two baking sheets together and line the top one with parchment paper.
Whisk butter with granulated and brown sugars in large bowl by hand. Blend in maple syrup, maple and vanilla extracts and eggs. Stir flour, chopped walnuts, ground walnuts, baking powder and salt to combine; stir into butter mixture to make thick dough. Form into two, 1" (2.5 cm) thick logs on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and firm to touch. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Remove on parchment to a rack; cool for 30 minutes. Re-line stacked baking sheets with parchment.
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Using a serrated knife, cut logs, on an angle, into 2" (1 cm) thick slices. Arrange slices cut side up on the prepared baking sheets. Bake (in batches if needed) for 50 minutes, turning once, or until biscotti are golden and dry. Cool completely on a rack.

Maple Icing

Whisk icing sugar with cream until smooth; stir in extract. Spread a thin layer decoratively onto biscotti (or transfer icing to a resealable plastic bag and drizzle over biscotti). Let stand at room temperature until icing sets.

Tips:

Maple extract is usually available in supermarket baking ingredient or spice aisles.
These biscotti are luscious without any finishing touches but a coating of maple icing or melted white chocolate will make them company-special.
For a white chocolate garnish, melt 2 cup (125 mL) white chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute on medium high. Stir in a few drops of maple extract (if desired). Drizzle white chocolate mixture over biscotti. Let stand until completely set.

GAY LEA - Unsalted Butter