Caramel Walnut Biscotti

Caramel Walnut Biscotti

3/4 C. walnuts

1/2 C. finely ground oatmeal

1/2 C. butter

3/4 C. dark brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

2 T. Kahlua or double-strength coffee

1 t. vanilla extract

1 1/4 C. unbleached or all-purpose flour

1 1/2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

Place nuts in a shallow pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes., or until golden brown. Let cool.

Place oatmeal in a baking pan and bake in a 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, Kahlua or coffee, and vanilla. In a bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture, mixing until just blended. Mix in the oatmeal. Coarsely chop nuts and fold in.

Divide dough in half. On a greased and floured cookie sheet, pat into two logs about 1 1/2-inch wide and 14 inches long, spacing at least two inches apart. Bake in the middle of a preheated 325-degree oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a cooling rack and cook for five minutes. Place on a cutting board. With a serrated knife slice diagonally on a 45-degree angle about 1/2-inch thick. Lay the slices flat on the baking sheet and return to oven for 10 minutes, turning them once. Let cool on a rack.