Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F. Place eggs in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on high until thickened and slightly foamy, about 2-3 minutes. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl, and reserve. Add 1 cup sugar, oil and vanilla to eggs, and beat until blended, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture and orange zest to eggs, and mix on low speed until incorporated. Add almonds and mix just until incorporated. Dough will be unified, but still slightly sticky.

Step 2

Spray two cookie sheets with cooking spray, or lightly grease with oil. Wet hands lightly, and form half of dough into a 10-inch rectangular loaf and place on cookie sheet. Repeat with other half dough. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until loaves are browned and firm, but still slightly soft when pressed. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Remove to a cutting board. Using a bread knife, slice loaves on the diagonal into 3/4-inch thick slices. Return to oven and bake until surface is dry and edges are lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.