Ingredients
- For the limoncello
- 700ml/1 pint 5fl oz fruit alcohol, 40-80 per cent proof, or vodka
- 200g/7oz
caster sugar - 8 unwaxed
lemons, zest and juice
- For the biscotti
- 250g/9oz
plain flour - 250g/9oz
caster sugar - 1½ tsp
baking powder - 3 medium free-range
eggs, lightly beaten - 50g/2oz dried sweetened strawberries, chopped
- 100g/3½oz
dried apricots, chopped - 50g/2oz medjool
dates, stones removed, chopped - 75g/2½oz
pistachio nuts, shells removed - 50g/2oz whole blanched
almonds - 50g/2oz
hazelnuts, shells removed - 1
lemon, zest only
- 250g/9oz
Preparation method
For the limoncello, pour a little of the alcohol into a pan, add the sugar and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and zest. Stir in the remaining alcohol and allow to cool. Pour into a clean bottle, then place into the fridge or freezer to chill thoroughly.
Divide the dough into six pieces. With wet hands, roll each piece into a sausage shape about 5cm/2in wide and place well apart on the baking sheet. Lightly flatten the ‘sausages’ and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden-brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool and harden for ten minutes.
With a serrated knife, cut the ‘sausages’ on an angle into 0.5cm/¼in slices and lay these on the baking sheet. Return to the oven and bake for eight minutes, then turn the slices over and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until they are a pale golden colour. Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks. When completely cold, the biscotti can be stored in airtight jars for a week or more.
To serve, pour the limoncello into a chilled shot glass and serve with the biscotti.