Biscotti Gelato Sandwiches And Espresso Food

ESPRESSO BISCOTTI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a bowl with an electric mixer mix together the flour, espresso powder, cinnamon, baking soda and powder, sugar, salt and orange zest. In a small bowl beat together the eggs and vanilla. Add them all at once to the dry ingredients and beat until a dough is formed. Stir in almonds.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured board and form it into a ball. Halve it and form each half into a log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Arrange logs on a buttered and floured baking sheet about 3 inches apart.
• Bake logs in the middle of oven for 40 minutes or until they are firm all over and browned. Remove them from the oven, let cool for a few minutes. On a cutting board slice logs on a diagonal about 1/2 inch thick. Arrange the slices back on baking sheet and bake them for approximately 10 minutes on each side or until golden throughout.
• Cool biscotti to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in single layers between waxed paper for up to 2 weeks.

GELATO COOLER

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into glasses, sprinkle with chocolate covered coffee beans, and serve with a straw.
• In a saucepan combine the milk, cream, and 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whip the egg yolks with the remaining sugar using an electric mixer until the eggs have become thick and pale yellow, about 4 minutes. Pour 1/2 cup of the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture and stir. Add this mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, about 7 to 10 minutes.
• Place a strainer over a medium bowl and pour the warm custard mixture through the strainer. Stir in the vanilla and hazelnut spread until it dissolves. Chill mixture completely before pouring into an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer's instructions to freeze. To serve, scoop gelato into serving bowls and top with hazelnuts.

TOASTED ESPRESSO BISCOTTI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheet.
• Spread almonds and espresso beans on 2 separate baking sheets; bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. In a food processor fitted with steel blade, coarsely chop half of espresso beans; transfer to a small bowl. In food processor finely chop almonds and remaining espresso beans with 1/2 cup of the sugar and add to bowl.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Use your fingers to quickly cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in remaining sugar and coffee-almond mixture. Add eggs and brewed espresso, stirring until dough comes together.
• On lightly-floured surface, knead dough 2 minutes until smooth. Shape into 2 flat 2-inch-wide logs; dust with cinnamon or cocoa and place on cookie sheet. Bake 25 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet. When cool enough to handle, use a serrated knife to slice logs on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-wide pieces. Place cut side down on cookie sheet and return to oven 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool on racks. Dip in melted chocolate, if desired, and let dry on wax paper. When chocolate is completely dried and hardened, store in tins up to 1 month.

GELATO BAR

Steps:

• To make the milk chocolate sauce: Combine the cream and honey in a small heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Let stand until the chocolate melts, about 2 minutes, then whisk to combine. Cool the sauce slightly, then pour into a clear glass serving bowl or small pitcher. (The sauce can be made 1 week ahead. Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.) Re-warm the sauce in the microwave, if necessary.
• To make the whipped cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream and sugar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a serving bowl. (The whipped cream can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• For the sundaes: Place each topping in a separate serving bowl. Scoop the gelato or ice cream into dessert bowls and drizzle with the milk chocolate sauce. Allow guests to sprinkle their desired toppings over their sundaes. Top with the whipped cream and cherries, if desired.