Lady Biscotti

I have some Italian friends, all of whom can make excellent, authentic biscotti that would have made their Roman forebears very proud. So I mean no offense to them when I say that the best biscotti I have ever had is made by a Serbian-Australian -- my good friend Lynn.

These are her signature cookies, and I literally dream about them, which says a lot because I don't really ever crave cookies. Even the crumbs are great -- for sprinkling on yogurt or fruit -- and she humors my request to save all the cookie crumbs left on her baking sheets after she has stored away the latest batch of biscotti.

The sliver of chocolate/cocoa in the middle, the crushed pistachio nuts, and the crumbly texture are a perfect complement to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. I am currently rationing the latest stack that I was given, even though the temptation to scarf them down is overwhelming.

"Lady Biscotti" is the handle Lynn was given by a friend of hers, who left an improvised ditty on her answering machine one day, singing the virtues of her very special cookie. If you had one, you'll understand.