This is my slightly tweaked version of Grandpa K’s biscotti- a great old family recipe.  He updated it to make it vegan, and I’ve changed it to be just a bit healthier (but it still tastes great!). You can change it by adding sliced almonds, chocolate chips, or anything else.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour (50:50 white and whole wheat works great, but white will do fine)
• 1/2 tsp salt (coarse kosher is always best!)
• 1 T baking powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup applesauce
• 1T melted Earth Balance
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2-1tsp anise extract (depending on how strong you want the taste to be)

Steps:

1. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
2. Combine sugar, applesauce, EB, vanilla, and anise in a separate bowl- mix well.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir well, finally combining all the ingredients with your hands.
4. Divide the dough into two and make rectangular loaves.
5. Bake on an oiled cookie sheet at 325 for 25mins.
6. Let cool for about 15 minutes- let the oven cool to 300 degrees.
7. Slice the loaf with a sharp knife into 3/4-1 inch thick slices.  Put sliced side down onto the cookie sheet and bake for another 10 minutes.  Flip and bake for another 10 minutes.
8. Let cool for 15-30 minutes to let it harden (or eat them right away when they are soft and warm!)

Best served with a hot cup of french press coffee or loose leaf tea!

Enjoy!

-JD