Banana Bread Biscotti

Crunchy biscotti takes on the classic flavor of banana bread with panache.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1 tablespoon light olive oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cookie sheet by spraying with olive cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine banana, oil, egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well blended.
4. Add the flour mixture and walnuts to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. If the mixture seems dry, use your hands to mix until dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, divide in half, and shape each piece into an 8-inch long log. Place rolls 4 inches apart on baking sheet. Flatten rolls to 1-inch thickness.
6. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove rolls from baking sheet and cool on rack for 10 minutes.
7. Cut each roll diagonally into 15 slices. Place slices cut side down on baking sheet.
8. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from baking sheet and cool completely on wire rack.

Makes 24 biscotti.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/24 of recipe): Calories: 82; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 9mg; Total Carbs: 13g; Fiber: 0g; Protein: 1g; Sodium: 43mg.