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Preheat the oven to 325 F.
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Beat the butter until creamy, and then scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and add the sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat to incorporate after each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat in the vanilla. The mixture will look a little curdled now but that is fine.
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While the mixer is running, measure the flour into a large bowl. Add the salt, baking powder and shaved cocoa beans or cacao nibs if using. Whisk thoroughly.
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Add the flour mixture in 2 additions and mix on the lowest speed to combine. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
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Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
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Stir the dough such that it forms a sticky ball in the bowl, and then scrape that ball onto the center of the cookie sheet. With damp hands, shape the ball into a log. You want the log to be 3-4 inches wide and nearly as long as the pan. The wider the log, the longer the biscotti will be for dipping.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the log is risen and set and just turning golden.
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Let the log cool completely. This biscotti slices nicely--I did not wait overnight as I often do.
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Now preheat the oven to 300 F. Slice the biscotti about 1/2-inch thick (I rarely get this perfect).
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Place the biscotti upright back onto the cookie sheet with a little space between them to allow for air circulation. A few of my biscotti toppled over, so I flipped them over halfway through the second baking period.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, until they are slightly browning and fragrant.
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Let cool completely before dipping and decorating.
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For the bar: melt the chocolate(s) until it can be whisked smooth. Keep extra chocolate reserved in case you need more.
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Lay out parchment paper for placing the dipped and decorated bisotti onto. It is your preference, but because biscotti are flat, we only decorated one side.
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Let the chocolate set completely before moving and storing.
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Do not leave dogs unattended near the biscotti on the counter or they may counter surf and steal some.
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Have fun!!!!!!!!!