What is traditional?

by Dave
(Varn)

Based on my research. Traditional Biscotti were flavored with almonds and sometimes pine nuts. This is likely due to the fact that almonds were readily available in Italy and nearby countries. In Italy these almond studded cookies are actually called Cantucci, and they originated in the town of Prato, where made famous by Antonio Mattei.

But..... it didn't take long, due to popularity, for every province in Italy developed their own unique version of this delectable Italian cookie.

Typically traditional biscotti are made without butter, margarine or oil. just whole eggs. But I have had Italians tell me the ones made with olive oil are just like ones they ate when growing up in Italy.

If you want to eliminate fat all together you could just use egg white, but would lose some of the binding power of the egg, and change the flavor and texture. I don't have any recipes in my vast collection that call for only egg whites.

I have Traditional section, but just almonds/pine nuts and no other nut or dried fruit or flavoring would make for a limited selection. So most of the biscotti listed are far from traditional.

Sorry if this upsets you!

Dave