Biscotti

By Tess Tregear

Biscotti is an embodiment of the heart and soul that is present in Italian cooking. The word ‘biscotti’ is derived from the Latin words ‘bis’ and ‘coctus’ meaning ‘twice’ and ‘cooked’, respectively. Thus, the extended period of time needed to prepare the dish, in combination with its fragile crumbliness, facilitates endless opportunities for care and love to seep its way into the dish.

As the ingredients are interwoven in the large mixing bowl, a sweet citrus scent bursts and dances into the air, emanating fond memories of Grandma’s fresh lemon cake coated in sugar crystals. The kneading of the soft and gentle biscotti dough establishes a personal linkage to the dish, otherwise diluted by use of utensils, as the responsibility for care and craftmanship is bestowed upon the creator.

This contract is further bolstered through the need to cut through the slightly golden once-cooked biscotti, moving slowly so as to prevent the log from crumbling altogether.

Once finished, the golden biscuits appear dry on the surface with moons of slivered almonds scattered throughout. The sweet crunchiness of the biscuits reminds me of the Christmas plaetzchen stored in tins below the coffee table and baked by grandmas and family friends in Germany (pictured middle and right). The biscotti melts and crushes in the mouth, contrasting with the loud crunch of the almonds. These almonds also offer a savoury respite to the sweetness of the dish and each of its flavours appear to be harmonised together by the zest of the lemon rind.

Source: as easy as Apple Pie

Source: Shutterstock

Source: Pinterest

Not only does the dish exude warm peacefulness from the familiar smells and tastes frequently shared with loved ones, but it is also reminiscent of Italy’s café culture which has been gifted to the city of Melbourne largely through Italian immigration in the 1950s.

Source: Mr. Espresso

The idea of starting the day with community and loved ones to centre oneself in daily life appeals to me beyond belief. Not only does it nourish wellbeing through senses of belonging and imagined communities, but it also teaches mindfulness through taking a moment to savour and appreciate the simple things in life.