Orange Almond Biscotti I

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup blanched slivered almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Beat sugar, butter or margarine, orange peel and eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt and almonds.

Shape half of dough at a time into rectangle, 10 x 3 inches, on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on cookie sheet for 15 minutes.

Cut crosswise into 1/2 inch slices. Place slices cut sides down on cookie sheet. Bake about 15 minutes or until crisp and light brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.