Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

Instructions

1. Tear out a piece of baking paper that will fit your sheet tray. Using a pencil and a ruler, draw two 10-inch by 2-inch rectangles about 3-inches apart. These will serve as guides for when you shape the biscotti logs. Flip the paper over and place on your sheet tray. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Dissolve the instant coffee powder (if using) into the hot water, and leave aside to cool. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and baking soda into a large bowl. Put the hazelnuts into a resealable plastic bag and bash into small pieces with something stout like a wooden rolling pin. Add the hazelnut debris and mini chocolate chips to the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, add the salt, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, cooled strong coffee (or just plain water), and milk, and stir well to combine. Add this liquid mixture to the dry and stir until a slightly stiff and sticky dough forms.
4. Divide the dough equally and spoon onto the sheet tray within the two rectangular boxes you marked out earlier. Using a spoon or spatula dipped in water, flatten the top of the log and smooth out the edges.
5. Bake the logs for 35 minutes. Remove the logs from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Lower your oven temperature to 150°C (300°F).
6. After 10 minutes, cut the logs into 3/4-inch slices. Lay them cut side up on the sheet tray (you may have to line it with a fresh piece of baking paper).
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes on each side. For softer biscotti, just bake them for 5 minutes on each side.