Biscotti Monster

Hello, dearies! Are you sick of all things Italian yet? I hope not! Because we have another culinary delight for you today, from another fantastic guest. Read (and drool) on!

Marni Landes is a self-taught baker with a penchant for cookbook collecting. With close to one thousand cookbooks in her collection, she'll soon have to quit the hobby and find a new, less space-hogging one. Marni would almost always rather come home from work and just eat cereal and milk for dinner so she has time to bake a cake. She blogs about her baking pursuits at www.happygomarni.com.

Biscotti is an Italian cookie that has superhero powers in the category of shelf life. That's because the cookie is twice-baked, and that process dries it out so it lasts longer. What exactly does it mean to bake a cookie twice? Well, first you shape the dough into a log on your baking sheet and bake it for Round 1. After this first baking period, you take the baking sheet out and slice the log into those familiar long cookies that we love so much. You then place them back on the baking sheet facing upright (imagine they're tanning at the beach and want to get maximum sun exposure), and off they go to bake for Round 2!

Those Italians sure came up with something good. And fortunately for us, it's a cookie that's available all over the place. You don't have to go to Italy to eat one (though a trip to Italy to get a biscotti makes a pretty good story, or an excuse for a vacation). Ever notice while waiting in the line at Starbucks that they sell individually wrapped biscotti? Makes sense. They are great coffee dunkers. And while biscotti just implies a simple twice-baked cookie with basic ingredients, gourmet, exotic, adventurous variations on the traditional can be found in cookbooks and bakeries everywhere. You'll find that nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chunks all get tossed into the batter, or the finished, baked cookie even gets dipped in chocolate. In fact, a plain biscotti today seems so boring!

One of my favorite flavor combinations is chocolate and orange, so putting them together in a biscotti sounds like my kind of heaven. This recipe is easy to prepare and has a hearty helping of chocolate chunks and orange zest. Do take the time to chop up a chocolate bar. It will work (and taste) soooo much better than using mini chocolate chips. So far, I'm going on one week that these biscotti have kept like new in an airtight container. I love that I feel no sense of urgency to finish eating the whole batch quickly before they go bad. These guys are going to last. And that means I'm going to take my time, savor each bite, and probably still be eating them in two weeks. Truly a cookie with superhero powers.

Chocolate Orange Biscotti

Adapted from a recipe by Marcel Desaulniers in Death By Chocolate Cookie

Makes 4 dozen biscotti

4 cups all-purpose flour plus up to 1/2 cup for shaping the dough

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-ounce pieces

4 large eggs

2 tablespoons minced orange zest (or more!)

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces (don't use chocolate chips because they're not easy to slice)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt onto a large piece of wax paper and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the sugar and butter on medium speed until soft, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, and continue beating for 4 more minutes until very smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add the orange zest and beat on high for 30 seconds. On low speed, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients by lifting the wax paper carefully to the mixer and pouring the ingredients in. Add the chopped chocolate and mix on low for 30 seconds. Remove the bowl from the mixer and and continue mixing the chocolate in until well incorporated. A wooden spoon or strong rubber spatula work well.

Prepare two baking sheets by lining with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Lightly flour a work surface. Transfer the biscotti dough to this surface and divide the dough into four equal portions. Use additional flour as necessary if the dough gets sticky. Shape each portion into a log that measures 8 inches long by 2 1/2 inches wide and 1 1/4 inches high. You can also shape these logs directly onto the prepared baking sheets so you don't have to lift them once shaped. Two logs should fit on each baking sheet, placed about 2 inches apart.

For Round 1 of the two baking times, bake the biscotti logs on the top and center racks of the preheated oven for 35 minutes, until lightly browned and firm to the touch, rotating the sheets from top to center halfway through the baking time (at that time also turn each sheet 180 degrees). Remove the biscotti logs from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 275 degrees F.

Let the logs cool for about 15 minutes so you'll be able to handle them. Then, place a log onto a cutting board and use a very sharp serrated knife to slice the log into 12 cookies. The slices should be at a diagonal angle and about 1/2-inch thick. The rounded ends of the log can be discarded or eaten (Mmmm, eaten is a much better option). Do the same for the other logs. Return the slices to the baking sheet, this time facing up. You might be able to fit all of them snugly onto the same sheet they were first baked on, but you might need a third sheet.

For Round 2 of the two baking times, bake the biscotti slices on the top and center racks of the preheated oven for 30 minutes until crisp and evenly browned, rotating the sheets from top to center halfway through the baking time (at that time also turn each sheet 180 degrees). Remove the biscotti from the oven and allow them to cool thoroughly before storing in an airtight plastic container.

Storage: The biscotti will last for 2 to 3 weeks stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze well. Just be sure to wrap them well and place in an airtight container in the freezer.

Use Your Noodle(s)

We are tomato-haters (and proud of it!) around my house, so Italian food is always a little tricky.

So I am sure you can see while I was thrilled to find a no-tomato-sauce lasagna recipe. Who knew there was such a thing?!? Plus, this recipe is a perfect excuse to buy and then use a fancy Le Creuset baking dish. Though I am sure you could do it in a less fancy baking dish just as easily.

I haven't tried the recipe myself but I am basically dying to. If one of you beats me to it, let me know how it goes!

Here you are, from the Williams-Sonoma kitchen.

Garden Lasagna

1 cup packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup raw baby spinach leaves, plus 1 lb. baby spinach, blanched, squeezed dry

1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

3 cups ricotta cheese

1 egg

4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1/4 cup finely chopped shallots

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups milk

1 lb. cremini mushrooms, sliced 1.4" thick, cooked until golden brown

1 jar (16 oz.) roasted red bell peppers, drained, sliced 1/4" thick

6 oz. no-boil lasagna noodles, torn into rough 2" pieces

4 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

In a blender, combine basil, raw spinach, 1/2 tsp. garlic and oil; process until thick sauce forms. Add Parmiggiano-Reggiano, salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, salt and pepper.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Cook shallots 4 minutes. Add 1 tsp. garlic and flour, cook 1 minute. Stir in milk; cook on medium-high heat 8-10 minutes. Transfer to bowl; cool 15 minutes. Stir in basil puree. In a separate bowl, combine mushrooms, bell peppers, blanched spinach, salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter 3 1/2 quart shallow Dutch oven (or other heavy-duty baking pan. I think). Spread 1/2 cup sauce on bottom of pot; arrange single layer of noodles on top of sauce. Top with 1/2 cup ricotta mixture, 1 cup vegetable mixture, 1/2 cup sauce mixture and 1 cup mozzarella. Layer noodles, ricotta, vegetables, sauce and mozzarella 2 more times, then add layer of noodles, ricotta, vegetables and noodles. Spread remaining sauce on top; sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella.

Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes more.

Serves 8-10.

Whether you bake up this tasty dish or not, wanna tell us which of our new Roamin' Holiday dresses you would wear while eating it?

When In Rome

More of Italy from our very own Mary Braun. And have you seen our new line of romantic--and Rome-inspired-- summer dresses? Give it a look and let us know which dresses you would take on your own Roamin' Holiday!

Ah, Roma! City of dreaming wishes and romantic street lights; city of stolen love and stolen wallets.

Of all the places I have loved, I have loved Rome best.

I used to be quite adorable, you know. I lived in Italy in the prime of my youth-- fresh faced and spry. A young American doll. (Well, sort of.) I had the best name in Italy at least. "MARIA!" the natives would yell and I would respond (in my head) "la chiave!" (as anyone naturally would who has watched the darling Roberto Benigni from La Vita e' Bella no less than 23 times).

Look at my here! See? Adorable!

Rome was amazing. Unforgettable. Divine. Breathtaking. I’m not talking about taking-the-stairs-instead-of-the-elevator breathtaking (that happens to me more than I’d care to admit), but cosi meravigliosa (so marvelous) that I could honestly cry from both astonishment and pure joy of what was unfolded and presented to me every day:

Fountains bubbling with fresh water around every street corner? Check!

Italian Opera floating out the windows in small alleys? Check!

Me eating my third hazelnut and banana gelato that day? Double check!!

I mean, does it get any sweeter than this? Obviously not.

This is me visiting several years later with a baby in tow. Still hooked on gelato…hmmm….



Since I had the opportunity to gallivant around this beloved city for several months, I thought I would share a few of my favorite pictures and locales and give you little hint of what I should have worn had Shabby Apple been around:

La Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain): Is it terrible that I loved this fountain so much because just across the street was a pizzeria with the most amazing potato pizza? (Don’t judge me.) When the sun was high this fountain was magical! Bright white against a clear blue sky – no wonder it is famous for secret wishes. (i.e. I wish I had more potato pizza….) This fountain is tucked neatly away behind streets and buildings and no cars are allowed in this area. On your way here, you see plenty of Rome’s famous sites, so I would recommend wearing something breezy and comfortable, like Da Vinci. Throw on a pair of flats and swing a camera over your shoulder and you are good for sightseeing all day.

La Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter’s Cathedral): The first time I saw this building I was stunned! Why I shouldn’t have expected it to be the most massive piece of work I’d ever see in my life, I know not. From the impressive piazza and towering columns to the delicate Pieta’ (my favorite) and reverent Sistine chapel, this site is a must-see for everyone. Since it’s a cathedral, I think it deserves Sunday best – and cotton, please, since you will probably be smooshed next to a very large group of sweaty tourists. I would recommend Veni Vidi Vici (because conquering the Vatican in one day is in and of itself an impressive feat!)

If you are feeling adventurous and want to hop on a train for a day trip, let me suggest two alternate routes to the North and South:

Firenze (Florence): By far the most popular city in Italy! I couldn’t get enough of the open markets, leather goods, Pinocchio paraphernalia…. Not to mention The Uffizi and Academia house some of the most famous art and sculptures in the world. If I had my way, I would traipse around the city all day in Rosso: Start in the Piazza di Michelangelo to watch the sunrise, spend the day in studious observation in the museums and end it at the Florence Opera House for a showing of La Boheme or Carmen. Please. Best day ever.



Costa d’Amalfi (Amalfi Coast): From the pastel homes piled on top of each other to the sprawling coast line, this locale screams Italian dream!! Enjoy the beach and fresh salt air and then take a drive to the other coastal cities like Napoli (try their famous spaghetti and pizza!) or swing over to Sorrento and pick up a collectible music box. Do it in style in the new Gondola dress and before long you’ll be saying, “Cosi si fa a Napoli!”

StyleSpy: Ciao Bella!

Oh Italy! You just seem to do everything right. Food? So fresh, simple and decadent. Art and music? Beyong beautiful and timeless. Lovely eye-candy gorgeous men? Yes, you have some of those to spare. You ooze culture and style - all I want to do is pretend to be Italian so I can exude charm and effortless style as if it is in my blood. I've got hopes to come and see you real soon, sweet enticing Italy, so don't at all be surprised I am already thinking about what to pack. And pack light I will, because my luggage must have room for newly discovered treasures - I am thinking of the high-quality, hopefully luxurious yummy variety guaranteed to remain in my closet the longest (notice I didn't say forever, that just wouldn't be the truth).

While perusing the marbled museums, rolling countryside or cobbled markets (need more adjectives?), I don't want to scream tourist by how I dress! Let's try and pretend for just a minute we live here and today is any normal day for us in spectacular Italy. I've dressed like a complete fashion novice in the EU before and it feels... lame. But don't worry if you find yourself missing the style bullseye oversees, you'll be surrounded my plenty of inspiration. Let me give you a few suggestions for what to tote along for a beautiful meander through Italy or back home this summer.

1. Pack light.
OK, I know this is relative, but take less than you think you should. I'm a notorious over packer. Try not to do it this time. While packing, lay out all your clothes and create max. 5 outfits that all coordinate, hopefully giving you even more outfit options. Leave room for new clothing to return home with you. There will be plenty to make you wonder how you can get it, and then, get it home.

2. Make each piece count.
Pick pieces that are versatile and coordinate with other patterns and accessories ensuring each pants, shirt, shoes can go with more than one thing in your bag. In other words, do not bring anything you are not totally sure you know how and with what you will wear it. Be very deliberate in what you bring along.

3. Think sleek, understated and feminine.
European fashion is not flashy (well, unless you fancy D&G, which is awesome), but rather tailored and effortless. For example, leave the linen at home - it does not breath well in humidity, requires ironing and quickly looks rumpled and unflattering. Instead, channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with slim crop black cotton pants, a fitted white button-down shirt, big sunglasses and leopard print flats. Or consider Briget Bardot with a patterned circle skirt, belted at the waist with a scoop neck top.

4. Think chic, yet comfortable.
Do not, I repeat, do not bring your yoga pants and nike cross trainers unless you hit the gym in the hotel. They are comfortable, but not appropriate for exploring Sienna or Venice. You will regret it the moment you leave your room, or I hope you will. Pack your maxi dress and flat gladiator sandals instead. You'll look and feel gorgeous while you walk, walk and walk through the piazzas.

5. Accessorize wisely.
Blah fitted white-button down shirt you say? That's where the pink patent leather belt comes in. Bring your sassy sunglasses, a good roomy tote, a small clutch for evenings, a few belts of varying widths, and a patterned scarf, or pick up an inexpensive pashmina at the market. These simple, lightweight items have the potential to create maximum impact and polish off an outfit nicely without a lot of fuss or overthinking.

My dream suitcase would look like this:

source: white top, floral top, python belt, black pants, flats, shorts, leather flip flop, gray tote, swimsuit, sunglasses, maxi dress, leather bag, sandals, white jeans, stripe top, skinny belt and strappy heels.

If you made it this far, don't forget to bring your camera and an extra large memory card.

Soak it all in and enjoy every moment, especially the lost-in-translation-backward moments that hopefully you'll laugh about later over gelato. Be open to a wonderful exhiliarating experience.

Now, how about we talk about what to see and where to go?

Mambo Italiano

Ciao, bellas!

For those of you disappointed in Brad Womack's final choice on The Bachelor last night, I have some good news.

(Not like I would ever give you bad news, of course, but that's beside the point.)

There will be a contestant everyone can get behind on the next season of The Bachelor, and that contestant will be me!

But not really.

The truth is that Shabby Apple is releasing a new line of dresses, inspired by the land of pasta, pizza, and handsome men, and to get us all excited (as if we were not all bursting at the seams already!) over the next little while we are going to be bringing you all things Italian.

So, keep you eyes peeled, my lovelies, and if there is anything you want to know about Italy or the way of the Italian that you didn't learn from Eat, Pray, Love, let us know!

Besos.

Statuesque

Let's talk about the Oscars.

But really, you'll have to talk and I'll just listen because I didn't watch them. Last year I did this thing where I watched all of the Best Picture nominees, but this year I guess I just didn't really care that much. Plus I am still totally scared to watch "Black Swan."

So, I sort of just let the Oscars pass me by.

But that doesn't mean I didn't take the time to check out the fashion commentary the day after. I thought Nicole Kidman looked terrible, Natalie Portman looked pretty good, Halle Berry looked like she always does and Mila Kunis' dress was my favorite.





I loved the lavender and the lace and the whole thing.

A few of my other favorites.







I'll be honest that I wasn't crazy about all that shiny stuff on Penelope Cruz's dress, but I did think it was a pretty darn good showing for having just birthed a baby a few weeks before. And how dreamy is Javier Bardem? I think those two might be the world's most perfect couple.

If you're looking for more Oscar's fashion commentary, here is a Best/Worst Dressed list, and to shake things up a little bit, a gallery of post-Oscars party dresses. I never thought I would say these words, but Selena Gomez might have looked the best.

How about you, my lovelies?
Did you watch the awards?
Which Oscar dresses were your favorites?