Chocolate-Almond Biscotti

==Description==
These are great dipped in coffee or eaten by themselves. They make a nice gift when put in a large coffee mug.
== Ingredients ==
* 1½ cups sliced almonds, toasted,divided
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 2 cups sugar
* ⅔ cup cocoa
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 3 eggs
* 1 teaspoon almond extract
* 3½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
* ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
* 2 teaspoons shortening (optional)
== Directions ==
# Preheat oven to 350°F.
# Lightly grease a cookie sheet and set aside.
# Place ¾ cup of toasted almonds in a food processor and pulse until ground.
# Beat butter in large bowl for 30 seconds, then add sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; beat until combined.
# Beat in eggs and almond extract.
# Beat in as much of the flour as you can with mixer.
# By hand, stir in remaining flour, the ground almonds and the remaining ¾ cup of sliced almonds.
# On pieces of wax paper, shape dough into two 14 inch long rolls.
# Place rolls on prepared cookie sheet at least 5 inches apart, flatten slightly.
# Bake 25–30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near centers comes out clean.
# Cool on cookie sheet for 1 hour.
# Cut each roll diagonally into ½ inch thick slices.
# Place slices, cut sides down, on ungreased cookie sheets.
# Bake 8 minutes.
# Turn slices; bake 7 to 9 minutes more or until cookies are dry and begin to crisp (do not overbake).
# Remove from cookie sheets to wire racks.
# Cool completely.
# If desired, to make glaze or drizzle, place semi sweet chips and white chips in separate small microwave safe bowls.
# Add 1 teaspoon of shortening to each bowl.
# Microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring once; stir.
# If necessary, microwave an additional 15 seconds or until chips are melted and mixtures are smooth when stirred.
# Dip biscotti into mixtures or drizzle over tops.
Category:Biscuit Recipes