Boston's best biscotti

Modern Pastry Shop

Biscotti are twice-baked Italian biscuits made by baking a loaf of bread, cutting it into slices, and then baking it again. They're typically dipped into coffee, but they're also a nice accompaniment to tea or dessert wine, depending on the flavor (most common are almond, anise, and hazelnut). Good biscotti are characterized by tough crunchiness, but they shouldn't be rock-hard (as is too often the case). Some of Boston's best are found at Modern Pastry Shop (257 Hanover Street, in the North End), Wheatstone Baking Company (96 Peterborough Street, Boston), and Sorelle Bakery and Café (1 Monument Avenue, Charlestown). My favorite: Sorelle's cappuccino biscotti with hazelnuts and chocolate chips.

-- Theresa Regli