chocolate is a cure all.  it heals, it soothes, it does not judge - it simply makes everything better.  i have been spending a lot of time in the kitchen over the last few weeks and somehow, some way - i keep coming back to chocolate.  it has been a stressful year - a good year - but one that has been overwhelming in every sense.  my heart has felt as heavy as it has light and baking is something that has always healed my soul and pacified the quakes of pressure i place upon myself.  i can say i don't know where those fault lines begin and end - but i do.  when i am honest with myself, i know that i sometimes place too much weight on things that in the end, truly do not matter.  balance is what i need, balance is what i crave.  and developing recipes seems to grant me that much need equilibrium - i can create while still tending to my family - balance.  so... to help heal the soul... 

double chocolate almond biscotti:

~ 1 c. sugar

~ 1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa

~ 1/2. oil

~ 2 eggs

~ 1 T almond extract

~ 1/4. t salt

~ 1 1/2 t. baking powder

~ 2 c. flour

~ 1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

~ 1 c. sliced almonds {toasted}

preheat oven to 350.  whisk sugar, cocoa, oil, eggs and almond extract together until fully incorporated.  in another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together.  using a food processor {or by hand - finely chop} - process the chocolate for about 1 minute.  add the flour to the sugar and oil mixture and mix thoroughly - incorporate the chocolate and the almonds - it is a rather stiff dough so be sure everything is mixed completely.  transfer the dough to a prepared baking sheet and form into a long log - about 10-12 inches long and 3-4 inches wide.  bake for 25 minutes.  pull from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes - turning the oven down to 325..  remove from the baking sheet to a cutting board and very carefully cut the cookie into slices.  transfer each slice back to the baking sheet.  bake for 8 minutes then pull from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.  flip each of the biscotti over and bake an additional 7 minutes.  they are especially good dunked in chai, cappuccino or a cold glass of milk.

xoox~jla

Comments

[Mathias]

Which reminds me that I need to add chocolate to my next batch of peanut butter granola. That should make it even better.

And I shall make this soon, looks delish!

[Cannelle Et Vanille]

oh balance... how coveted and hard to reach.... but you are right, chocolate does make everything better. lovely words and beautiful image jen. as always.

[Tartelette]

Biscotti are my favorite cookies during the winter. Hot cocoa and biscotti.
I just wanted to add that ever since I started reading "Athena Says" a couple of years ago, you words and images have been the most calming and serene influence. Thank you.

[Sophia Mar]

Oh my... Looks absolutely delicious! Thank you.

[rachel]

I haven't made biscotti in forever. Maybe that needs to change. I totally believe that cooking heals the soul.

[kristen]

long time lurking fan here, lately in love with chocolate biscotti, so thank you, this comes at a perfect time.

[Jen]

Chocolate makes me happy.

[jla]

oh matt - seriously. peanut butter and chocolate granola? i need that recipe.

aran - thank you so much - balance i think is what we all seek in some shape, way or form - toasting you in hopes we discover it sooner than later ;)

helen - you made my day. thank you so much - your work is so breathtaking.

thank you so much sophia!

rach - i think you are right. that needs to change ;)

thank you for de-lurking kristen - i hope you have fun baking it!

xoox

[Tina]

Ooo, I have to try this! Thank you for sharing.

[Shanon]

Oh wow, I'm not a giant chocolate fan, but those sure look good! Maybe I'll make some to giveaway for the holidays? =)

[hello, friend.]

lol, chocolate totally makes everything better :) this sounds so good!

xo. danni

[emily]

placing too much weight on things that truly do not matter in the end. oh yes. i feel as though i'm just beginning to learn how to see those moments more clearly.