The Biscotti Tasting

No, I did not forget to write last week, I was covered in flour, white chocolate and nuts for days. Nothing “Shades of Grey,” I was just getting ready for my biscotti tasting on Sunday the 12th. I baked like a maniac, then did the scariest thing a baker can do, I asked people to give me their honest opinions of my biscotti.

If I missed you in the invitations, I truly apologize. If it’s any comfort, I missed tons of people. Just call me and come over, I have lots of cookies left and would be happy to have you test them. I’ll even make you a latte.

We took lots of photos, but my stinking daughter took the camera with her on a trip without downloading the photos first, so once I murder her and yank the camera out of her lifeless hands, I’ll be adding more shots. (If I was a kind mother I wouldn’t write things like that.)

Thank God for my selfless foodie friends who came, tested, and re-tested, again and again, all in the name of science, then wrote down what they thought. Some of them even placed orders for when I’m fully up and running as a bona-fide biscotti baker. And yes, I will be able to sell them online to you!  (I’m still researching  all the hoops I’ll have to jump through).

And a huge thank you to Nicol and Martin, who came early, picked up coffee, schlepped, helped me organize and put it all together and stayed almost the whole time!  Also thanks to Mandy, who brought her coffee maker and chairs(I don’t have one, I drink espresso!) has been one of my biggest biscotti supporters, and was my very first bona-fide customer!

Here’s what the judging sheets said:

a. Love it and would definitely buy it

b. Like it — might buy it, might not

c. My gramma would like it — I’d get it for her

d. Drizzle or solid coating of chocolate/white chocolate? (circle one)

e. Hate Anise, hate macadamia nuts, hate you (this changed with each flavor)

f. Comments:

I am somewhat concerned though. Someone, who did not write their name on their form, circled the line that said: “Hate cranberries, hate almonds, hate you.” Why did I let this person in?

What did I learn?

1. That people never read things thoroughly.

2. That people either love peanut butter or hate it. They also either love chocolate or hate it. They all really like lemon.

Most people love spice and can go either way on cranberries and almonds. Most love a solid coating of chocolate or white chocolate on each cookie instead of a drizzle. Anise was a hit with the traditionalists and the Italians, and not every cookie has to have chocolate or white chocolate on it to be loved (but it certainly doesn’t hurt). Only one person said he/she didn’t like white chocolate, but that was the same person who checked the hates me line, so who cares?

On the comments for the Vegan biscotti my note was: Hate everything vegan, hate you. One person changed hate to dislike, saying, “Dislike you for making me eat vegan.” God, I love my friends!

The results of the tasting showed Lemon with the most votes.  This thrilled me because I used to use only lemon extract and lemon zest but now I use lemon zest and Boyajian Lemon Oil because it’s just better! Thank God I met Tim from Boyajian at the Fancy Food Show and discovered it!  I add it to the white chocolate too and it’s so much easier than adding lemon zest and constantly having to add oil.  The first place Lemon was followed by a three way tie among:  Anise with Macadamia Nuts, Walnut Spice, and Hazelnut Cinnamon. Below is the list of flavors so far.  Let me know if they sound good to you:

Anise with Macadamia Nuts and White Chocolate

Anise with Almonds and White Chocolate

Cranberry Almond with White Chocolate

Salted Peanut with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Drizzle

Walnut Spice with White Chocolate

Hazelnut Cinnamon with White and Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Lemon with Lemon White Chocolate

Chocolate with Hazelnuts Chocolate Chips and Chocolate Drizzle

Vegan Almond (I may add dates and cinnamon to this.)

Someone suggested Cranberry Lemon, what do you think of that?

I’m getting all my permits together so I can start selling my biscotti. I am still searching for a name, so feel free to send me your ideas. If I like yours and use it, I’ll send you a fabulous package of free biscotti with my love and gratitude. And if this list is missing your favorite flavor, please tell me!

Oh, and by the way, I am still going to the gym and the pool. (The lifeguards are getting used to me and don’t hover nervously as often as they used to.) And I actually took a breath while swimming today and did not swallow a gallon of water!  It’s a miracle, which I am attributing to St. Anthony, as he is the patron saint of hopeless cases and my mom’s favorite. I’m pushing for two breaths next time.

Thanks, as always for reading and commenting.  I love you guys — you make my day!

P.S. Murder was not necessary, my daughter returned with the camera and gladly handed over the photos.