Step 1

Preparation Position the oven racks so that they are evenly spaced, with one rack in the center. Preheat the oven to convection bake at 325°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Put the chocolate and 1/2 cup of the flour mixture in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process for 1 minute, until the chocolate is very finely ground. Remove from the processor and mix with the remaining flour mixture.

Step 3

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together at high speed until pale and thick. Beat in the vanilla and almond extract. Reduce the speed and gradually mix in the flour and chocolate mixture. Turn off the mixer and stir in the almonds.

Step 4

Divide the dough in half. Shape each part into a log 12 to 14 inches long and 2 inches wide and place on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing the logs at least 4 inches apart. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until firm to the touch.

Step 5

Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 275°F.

Step 6

Slide the baked logs onto a cutting board. Using a long serrated knife, cut each log diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Arrange the biscotti cut side down on two or three cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Place them in the oven on multiple racks and bake for 7 to 8 minutes on one side, turning the cookies over to bake for 7 to 8 more minutes. Remove the biscotti to a wire rack and let cool completely. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for about a month, or freeze them for up to 5 months.

Step 7

From Cooking with Convection by Beatrice Ojankangas. Copyright (c) 2005 by Beatrice Ojankangas. Published by Broadway Books.

Step 8

Beatrice Ojakangas has written more than a dozen cookbooks, including Beatrice Ojakangas' Great Holiday Baking Book, Beatrice Ojakangas' Light and Easy Baking, Pot Pies, Quick Breads, Light Desserts, The Finnish Cookbook, and The Great Scandinavian Baking Book. Beatrice works as a consultant for Pillsbury and other major food companies, teaches cooking classes, and writes for various food magazines. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota.