Biscotti Toscani

Directions

1. 1
   Place nuts in shallow pan and bake in a preheated 325° oven until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. 2
   Let cool.
3. 3
   In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4
   Beat in eggs, vanilla, almond extract and orange zest.
5. 5
   In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt.
6. 6
   Add to the creamed mixture, mixing until blended.
7. 7
   Cut almonds into halves or thirds and fold in.
8. 8
   Divide dough in half.
9. 9
   Place on a greased and floured baking sheet and form into two logs about 1/2-inch thick, 1 1/2 inches wide and 12 inches long, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
10. 10
    Bake in the middle of a preheated 325° oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
11. 11
    Transfer to a baking rack and let cool 5 minutes.
12. 12
    Place on a cutting board.
13. 13
    With a serrated knife, slice diagonally at a 45° angle about 1/2-inch thick.
14. 14
    Lay the slices flat on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 10 minutes, turning them over once to dry slightly.
15. 15
    Let cool on a rack.
16. 16
    Makes 3 1/2 dozen.