Set in stunning Italy, Come September (1961) depicts Rock Hudson, as Robert Talbot, an American millionaire who owns an Italian villa which he visits one month out of the year. When Talbot makes an unexpected visit to Italy, his overseer has turned his villa into a hotel. However, Talbot is too consumed with Lisa, played by the beautiful Gina Lollobrigida, to fully realize the situation, which is both hilarious and romantic at the same time. Come September is one of those movies I repeatedly watch because it is a quality romantic comedy with talented actors and located in a gorgeous environment.
While you watch this 60’s RomCom, eat warm almond biscotti – plain or dipped in chocolate – and enjoy a large latte. This biscotti was incredibly simple to make, and it turned out delicious. Biscotti is an easy morning snack or a perfect coffee sidekick. Come September with almond biscotti makes for a delightful Italian morning/afternoon/evening. Buon appetito!
Almond Biscotti
Ingredients:
1. 2 cups of almonds (whole or slivered) + 1/2 cup of almonds
2. 2 cups of all-purpose flour
3. 3/4 cup sugar + 1 1/2 tablespoon of sugar
4. 3 large eggs
5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
6. 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
7. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Bake whole or slivered almonds on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
3. In a food processor or VitaMix, pulse 1/2 cup of almonds and 1 1/2 tablespoon of sugar until finely ground.
4. Add flour, salt, and baking powder and pulse 4-5 times until mixed.
5. In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup sugar, 3 eggs, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla on a high-speed until thick (about 4 minutes). Reduce speed and add flour mixture.
6. Add the 2 cups of whole or slivered almonds into dough.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough (which will be very sticky) into 2 halves. Wet your hands with water and mold each half into 2 logs about 2″ by 11″ and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown – they won’t expand too much, so it’s okay if they are on the same baking sheet.
9. Remove the 2 loaves from the oven. Using a sharp bread knife, slice the loaves into diagonal pieces. You can make these pieces as thin or thick as you would like, but usually they are 1/2 inch slices.
10. Bake the sliced piece for another 20-25 minutes until they are crispy. Flip them halfway through to ensure that they are crisp on both sides.
11. Enjoy warm or allow to cool before dipping into chocolate/coffee.
12. *For chocolate dipping, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips or 60-70% cocoa and simply dip each cookie. For extra taste, grind 1/2 cup of almonds in the food processor/VitaMix and sprinkle over the chocolate.
{Photos by Lauren, Come September}
