Ingredients
- For the limoncello
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- 700ml/1 pint 5fl oz fruit alcohol, 40-80 per cent proof, or vodka
- 200g/7oz
caster sugar - 8 unwaxed
lemons, zest and juice
- For the biscotti
-
- 250g/9oz
plain flour - 250g/9oz
caster sugar - 1½ tsp
baking powder - 3 medium free-range
eggs, lightly beaten - 50g/2oz dried sweetened strawberries, chopped
- 100g/3½oz
dried apricots, chopped - 50g/2oz medjool
dates, stones removed, chopped - 75g/2½oz
pistachio nuts, shells removed - 50g/2oz whole blanched
almonds - 50g/2oz
hazelnuts, shells removed - 1
lemon, zest only
- 250g/9oz
Preparation method
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For the limoncello, pour a little of the alcohol into a pan, add the sugar and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
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Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and zest. Stir in the remaining alcohol and allow to cool. Pour into a clean bottle, then place into the fridge or freezer to chill thoroughly.
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Divide the dough into six pieces. With wet hands, roll each piece into a sausage shape about 5cm/2in wide and place well apart on the baking sheet. Lightly flatten the ‘sausages’ and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden-brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool and harden for ten minutes.
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With a serrated knife, cut the ‘sausages’ on an angle into 0.5cm/¼in slices and lay these on the baking sheet. Return to the oven and bake for eight minutes, then turn the slices over and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until they are a pale golden colour. Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks. When completely cold, the biscotti can be stored in airtight jars for a week or more.
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To serve, pour the limoncello into a chilled shot glass and serve with the biscotti.