Basic Biscotti

This isn't anything fancy, just a basic biscotti.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees f.

Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in oven until lightly golden.

Let cool.

Coarsely chop half the nuts.

Butter 2 large baking sheets.

Mix flour , sugar , salt and baking soda.

Beat in eggs , then whole and chopped nuts.

Mix to obtain a firm dough.

Knead briefly , then divide dough into 2 pieces.

On a floured work surface , roll each piece under your hands into a cylinder 15 inches long and about 1 1 / 2 inches in diameter.

Place 2 rolls , well separated , on each baking sheet and bake 15 to 20 minutes , until very lightly browned and firm to the touch.

With a spatula , carefully transfer the rolls to a cutting board and slice each onediagonally into cookies about 1 / 2-inch thick.

Set wire racks on the baking sheets and lay out the biscotti on them.

Return them to the oven for 20 to 30 minutes , or until very firm and crisp.

Cool on the racks , then transfer them to a tin for long keeping.

blanched almonds, flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking soda, eggs