GREEK BISCOTTI (PAXIMADIA)

Greek Biscotti (Paximadia) image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes about 30

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup barley flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds, toasted
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
1/3 cup ouzo
1 tablespoon grated orange zest, plus 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, toasted

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 cup white sesame seeds.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together eggs and 1 1/2 cups sugar on medium speed until pale. Beat in oil, ouzo, orange zest and juice, and vanilla. Reduce speed to low; gradually beat in flour mixture until well incorporated.
Divide dough in half; transfer one half to center of a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining half and another parchment-lined baking sheet; shape into 12-by-6-inch logs. Mix together black sesame seeds and remaining 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds; distribute evenly over logs. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake until lightly golden and firm to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks; let cool 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
Transfer logs, one at a time, to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut on the diagonal into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices, cut-side down, on fresh parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets and flipping cookies halfway through, until dry and lightly golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks; let cool completely. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.