Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar till fully mixed and light. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the egg white and vanilla extract.
With the mixer on a slow speed, gradually add in the flour mixture, blending just until flour is fully mixed in. Stir in the orange zest and the toasted almonds.
Divide the dough in half. With lightly floured hands, shape one half of the dough into a "log", about 2 1/2 inches high and 8-10 inches long (log should be fairly narrow) on the prepared cookie sheet (dough will be sticky, so make sure you flour your hands to work with the dough). Prepare the other half of the dough in the same manner, but make sure to use another parchment-lined cookie sheet, as the dough will "spread a bit".
Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 30 minutes (or until the biscotti are dark golden and set. The biscotti should spring back slightly when lightly pressed in the center. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.
Allow the dough logs to cool on a wire rack for approximately 20 minutes, then slice into cookies 1/2-3/4 inch thick, using a sharp knife. Arrange the biscotti upright on baking sheets. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees. Put biscotti back into oven a second time and bake for 20-25 minutes, until they are lightly browned on the sides and slightly crisp. The top and bottom of the biscotti should be relatively dark. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
If you want to dip the bottom of the biscotti or drizzle them with chocolate: Melt 1 cup chocolate chips (or more, as needed) in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 T. vegetable shortening in the microwave for approx. 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds so the chocolate doesn't burn, till smooth).
When biscotti have cooled completely, I dip the bottom of the biscotti (or "paint" on the chocolate using a pastry brush) in melted semi-sweet chocolate , then place on parchment paper or foil until chocolate has hardened. Then I drizzle the chocolate on top of the biscotti. I usually end up using a pastry brush to brush the melted chocolate onto the bottom of the biscotti and a honey dipper to drizzle the glaze over the top of the biscotti. Set the biscotti aside and let the chocolate complete harden, then store finished biscotti in an airtight container till you're ready to dunk 'em in your coffee. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Orange Almond Biscotti
Amount Per Serving (1 biscotti)
Calories 264Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 41mg14%
Sodium 128mg6%
Potassium 179mg5%
Carbohydrates 32g11%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 275IU6%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 57mg6%
Iron 1.6mg9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.