You Say Biscotti, I say Cantuccini

Biscotti is a twice-baked cookie with roots that go all the way back to ancient Rome. Initially, these incredibly crunchy cookies were made to sustain the Roman soldiers while they were away for extended periods of time. Since the cookies were already hard and crunchy, there was no risk of them spoiling. Like much of Italy, during the Italian renaissance biscotti (or cantucci as they are more commonly known in Italy) had a significant glow up. Instead of a dry, unpleasant biscuit that was nothing more than sustenance, the biscotti became a treat that Italians enjoyed with a cup of caffé or wine. Here is my family’s way of making them; this specific biscotti recipe is called Italian Cantuccini and originated in Tuscany, where the first recipe for this biscuit was found!