{table for two: sparkling ink, findland}

. . . headlong into autumn and it's dark evenings steeped in chilliness and stars brighter than ever, and could not think of a better way to begin early november mornings than with pale golden light and an espresso & cinnamon sugar biscotti . . .

*****************************

{cinnamon sugar biscotti}

ingredients: (makes 24)

2 cups (5 dl) flour
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 1/2 dl) sugar
6 tablespoons (125 g) butter, room temperature
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg for brushing
1/4 cup (1/2 dl) sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

combine flour, cinnamon, cardamom, baking powder and salt; in a separate bowl, beat soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy; mix in egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract; add in dry ingredient mixture and mix just until combined

form two flattened bars (a bit more than an inch /3 cm thick) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; brush with lightly beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture; bake at 325 F (160 C) for 35-40 minutes or until the bars are golden and firm to touch

allow the bars to cool for a few minutes, then cut into 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) wide diagonal slices; flip cut side down and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture; bake for around 10 minutes until crispy

{image & recipe: tina, sparkling ink}