Amaretto Biscotti

I have such awesome girlfriends. I don't know what I would do without them. So for Valentines day this year I am doing a sweet treat swap with my wonderful friends Sharon and Amy. I sent off these biscotti today and I am so excited to see what I get in the post over the next few days...

As for the biscotti they were absolutely delicious. I should say that I am a huge biscotti fan. They aren't as popular in America as in Europe and Australia. I think Americans are more used to a softer texture in their cookies but the flavor is something everyone will love. Enjoy with a coffee or hot chocolate, or just straight up standing in the kitchen all sweaty after a long run...I'm just saying...

Happy Valentines day ladies. I love you!

Recipe adapted from Joy of Baking. I'm thinking next time I might add lemon zest.

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds (145 grams)

1 tsp baking powder (5 grams)

1/8 tsp salt

2 cups (260 grams) AP flour

3/4 cup sugar (150 grams)

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp Amaretto

Method:

- Preheat oven to 350F

- Toast almonds and cool. Coarsely chop (I like getting big chunks of almond in each bite)

- Whisk eggs with vanilla extract in small bowl

- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in bowl of stand mixer

- Gradually add egg mixture until combined, adding almonds half way through

- Place dough on baking sheet in a log shape (about 14 x 4 inches)

- Bake for 35-40 minutes until firm and golden brown. Leave to cool on wire rack for 10 minutes

- Use a serrated knife to cut the log into biscotti

- Arrange evenly on baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes on each side

- Store in an airtight container

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

I thought of making my hard training IM chocolate chip cookies but that didn't seem healthy enough. So I thought oatmeal peanut butter cookies would be better. They're not exactly rabbit food but the peanut butter has protein and the oatmeal has lots of fiber and a bit more protein. These cookies are soft and chewy with a great peanut flavor. Super easy to make with ingredients that are always around. Except for butter which I always seem to be running out of - what kind of bad ass baker am I??

Ingredients:

1 cup AP flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt (I always add extra because I like my baked goods to have that sweet-salty taste)

1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

1/3 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

Method:

- Preheat oven to 350F

- Whisk flour, oats, baking soda and salt together in a separate bowl

- In stand mixer cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (scraping down the edges and bottom of bowl occasionally)

- Add egg and vanilla and mix until combine. Mix in peanut butter until completely combined

- Mix in flour mixture until just combined. Use spatula to mix by hand for the last little flour streaks. Place mixture in fridge for 30 minutes

- Place 1 inch balls of mixture on a baking sheet lined with silpat

- Bake for 11-13 minutes until lightly browned at the edges

Distribute to your loved ones (maybe for Valentines day ?!)