Organic Dark Chocolate Dipped Walnut Biscotti

I am addicted to coffee...seriously. Some days it's really the only thing that makes me get out of bed...besides my daughter screaming "MOM" at the top of her lungs, but the coffee usually wins. My morning does not officially start until that first sip, and I refuse to do anything (other than start breakfast) before that first cup of coffee. Some people pair their dinner with a wine...I pair my breakfast with a coffee. Nothing excites me more than the perfect breakfast to go with that delicious Organic, Fairtrade coffee I love so much. Waking up in the morning to the smell of freshly brewed coffee pretty much makes the day for me. Imagine my excitement then when I came across this recipe that not only perfectly goes with coffee, but is dipped in chocolate...enough said.


Organic Dark Chocolate Dipped Walnut Biscotti:
(adapted from Vegetarian Times)


1 3/4 c all-purpose flour
1/2 c whole-wheat flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 t vanilla extract
1 t grated lemon zest
2 T lemon juice
1 c roughly chopped walnuts (sub pistachios or pecans per preference)
Dark chocolate for dipping (I used a 90% cocoa dark chocolate Godiva bar I had left over, mixed with 60% cocoa dark chocolate Ghirardelli pieces)


Directions:
1) Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt
2) In an kitchen aid whisk together brown sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla for 5 minutes or until tripled in volumne
3) Slowly mix in flour mixture
4) Stir in lemon juice and nuts
5) Split dough in half and form 2 logs, place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or stoneware)
6) Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, until golden brown and center mostly done
7) Cool 10 minutes and then slice into 1/3 inch slices
8) Bake slices at 325 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through
9) Once cooled dip into chocolate and let cool until chocolate is hard

Form the dough into 2 "logs"

This is what it looks like after the first baking, and if you don't like biscotti, just stop right here b/c this is amazing just like this.

"Biscotti" is Italian for "Twice Baked" so after you slice it, bake it again...

See how I started my morning today? How could it not be a good day?!