Almond and Anise Biscotti

This recipe is simple and the result is much better than the petrified variety that sits in jars on the counters of every coffeehouse in town.Makes 2 dozen cookies21/4 cups flour2 teaspoons baking powder1/8 teaspoon salt1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature3/4 cup sugar1 teaspoon almond extract1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice1/2 tablespoon aniseeds3 egg whites, lightly beatenPreheat oven to 325 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the toasted almonds and stir well.In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat together the butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the almond extract, lemon juice, and aniseeds and beat until combined. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the lightly beaten egg whites. Then, with the mixer set on low speed, beat in the flour mixture until the ingredients come together to form a ball, about 1 minute. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide in half. Using your palms, shape each half into a roll about 9 inches long and 2 inches wide. Transfer each roll to the prepared baking sheet. Press down on the tops of logs to flatten slightly; this gives the biscotti their distinctive look once they are cut and baked.Bake until the dough is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven to cool for a few minutes.Reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees F. While the rolls are still warm, using a serrated knife, cut themandnbsp;andnbsp;diagonally into slices 1/2-inch-thick. Lay the slices, cut-side down, on 2 baking sheets and return them to the oven. Bake until the slices are crisp and golden, 8-15 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely before serving or storing. Note for chocoholics: You may wish to dip one end of each cookie in melted dark chocolate or drizzle with white and dark chocolate if you find cookies not containing chocolate a waste of time.