traveltales: BISCOTTI

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

BISCOTTI

A favorite Treat

Biscotti has been a favorite of mine for years. However, I never dunked until I was in Tuscany. Italy---you know the old saying when in Rome. In addition I had not been aware that today many dunk their biscotti in wine, particularly after dinner.

Because biscotti has a long shelf life, the almond flavored ‘cookie’ was favored by sailors, soldiers and travelers. Not only was it easy to carry and did not spoil, it also was light in weight. The name is derived from bis, Latin for bake and cotti, Latin for twice, thus a twice baked cookie. After biscotti is baked once it is sliced on the diagonal and baked again to dry the dough making it crisp. The browner it gets the harder it is. Biscotti is also a generic word for cookie in Italian.

The fall of the Roman Empire in 455 sent this treat into the doldrums. But during the Renaissance biscotti had a revival in Tuscany and became a favorite in Florence and Prato. The rest as they say is history. (Almond trees are grown in Prato.) Cantucci is the term for biscotti in Tuscany and is found in every bakery window; in that area biscotti refers to any crunchy cookie in any size or shape.

How many people know Columbus brought biscotti to the new world?

Today this original almond cookie bar has taken on a life of its own with numerous flavors and additives such as nuts and dried fruit, frostings, drizzles, etc. A creative baker can come up with her own rendition. Like fried dough, dried breads/cookies are unique in various forms in many countries.

It is popular to dunk biscotti in morning coffee, afternoon tea and after-dinner wines. Having eaten much biscotti, my favorite treat is to eat the traditional almond bar crunchy and undunked. It is especially a treat in the evening. Yum.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.