Vanilla Biscotti

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. 2
   Position rack in center of oven.
3. 3
   With a small knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and place in a small bowl.
4. 4
   Add the sugar and use your fingers to mix the vanilla evenly into the sugar.
5. 5
   Set aside.
6. 6
   With an electric mixer, cream the butter until light.
7. 7
   Add the vanilla sugar and mix until fluffy.
8. 8
   Add the eggs and the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
9. 9
   Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and almonds and stir into the butter mixture.
10. 10
    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
11. 11
    Divide the dough into 3 pieces.
12. 12
    On a lightly floured surface, shape each piece of dough into a log that is about 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
13. 13
    Place the logs on the baking sheet, spacing them as far apart as possible.
14. 14
    Bake in the center of the oven until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
15. 15
    Place the logs on a cutting board and let them cool slightly.
16. 16
    With a serrated knife, cut the logs on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick pieces.
17. 17
    Place on the baking sheet, cut side down.
18. 18
    Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes, turning them once.
19. 19
    Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool.
20. 20
    Store in an airtight container.