ORANGE AND BASIL BISCOTTI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine the sugar and butter in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle. Cream the mixture until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well before each addition. Add the orange zest and basil and blend on low speed, about 30 seconds.
• Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Add the flour mixture to the standing mixer and beat until combined. Fold in the almonds.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half. Using floured hands, shape the dough into logs. Brush off the excess flour. Place the logs on the baking sheet, spaced 5 inches apart.
• Flatten each log into a 2-inch-wide strip. Bake the logs, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until browned and set, about 30 minutes. Transfer the logs to a cooling rack and cool, about 15 minutes.
• Reduce the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Transfer the logs to a work surface. Cut each log diagonally into 1/3-inch-thick slices using a serrated knife. Arrange the slices, cut-side down, on the baking sheet. Bake the slices, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until crisp, about 20 minutes. Transfer the slices to the cooling racks and let cool.
• The biscotti can be made 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.