Squisito make

Almond Biscotti (Cantuccini) with Amaretto Shots

A delicious snack to serve if friends come around - something you can share or give away since  there is nothing as personal as a handmade present you can eat!

215g plain flour

160g caster sugar

½ tsp baking powder

60g unsalted butter

2 free range eggs

150g roughly chopped toasted almonds

2 tspn grated orange zest

Preheat oven to moderate 180ºC then line two baking trays with baking paper. Place the sifted  flour, sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt in a food processor and mix for 2 seconds. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the eggs and process until it comes together.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead in the almonds and zest. Divide into 2 portions and using floured hands, shape each into a log about 20cm long. Place on the baking trays and sprinkle with a little extra sugar.

Press the top of each log down slightly to flatten off. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Remove and cool for 20 minutes. reduce the oven temp to 160C. Cut the logs into 5mm slices on the diagonal. Turn the baking paper over , then spread on the tray in a single layer return to the oven and bake for a further 20-25 minutes or until just beginning to colour.

Cool completely and then store in an airtight container.

Amaretto Shots

There's nothing more fun than making your own spirits to lift the spirit! A Secret Squisito favourite.

220ml water

200g sugar

100g demerara sugar

37.5cl vodka (Lidl Putinoff or Aldi Tamova)

50ml natural almond essence

2 tspn vanilla extract

Bring the water to a boil and add both the sugars. Stir well and leave to cool. Add the vodka and stir. Add the two extracts and stir well. Pour the amaretto using a funnel into a bottle and seal.

Drink straight away, shake well before using.

Merry Christmas!

Sara xxx