An easy biscotti recipe to try

I had this Italian-themed dinner party to go to last night and for some reason I volunteered to bring dessert, even though I don't have time to do much cooking these days, much less baking. Fortunately, I found an easy biscotti recipe on the Food Network Web site that chef Rocco DiSpirito apparently shared on an episode of "Melting Pot." I used vanilla extract instead of anise extract because I'm not a licorice fan, sprinkled the rolls with cinnamon and sugar and added chocolate chips to half of the batch, and it turned out pretty tasty, if I do say so myself. (My fellow dinner partiers agreed.) It wasn't too dry and crumbly either, maybe because I only toasted it for 6 minutes on each side instead of the suggested 6 to 10, and it was delicious dunked in coffee with a bit of Baileys. I'm sure these would also be great with almond extract, sliced almonds or other variations, as some of these reviewers suggested. Here's the recipe -- let me know if you try it.

Biscotti

1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon anise extract, or 3 drops anise oil
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, sugar and anise flavoring until well blended. Combine the flour and baking powder, stir into the egg mixture to form a heavy dough. Divide dough into 2 pieces. Form each piece into a roll as long as your cookie sheet. Place roll onto the prepared cookie sheet, and press down to 1/2-inch thickness.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on a wire rack (I just let them cool for a bit right on the cookie sheets-LB). When the cookies are cool enough to handle, slice each 1 crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Place the slices cut side up back onto the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes on each side. Cookie slices should be lightly toasted.

Rage against Food Network's machine?

Just taking a quick poll to see where everybody here stands on The Food Network. Lots of people who share my love of food don't like the FN. I've asked people, "So, did you watch * insert random show here *?" only to have them recoil, simultaneously fighting the urge to retch, it seems.

Well, excuse the heck outta me! I didn't know so many people felt Hollyfood has lost (or never had) its luster.

Well, you know what? I like some food stars and their overproduced "plots" and over-acted/rehearsed entrances and tasting faces. I like it when Ina has to make a fabulous lunch for the guys who are restoring a windmill. The poor fellas were clearly in dire need of mini meatloaves. And Giada's get togethers look so inviting I really want to forget it's essentially a set, with cameras, floor markers and hot lights everywhere. I want to have Alton on speed dial. And don't even get me started on Nigella. As far as I'm concerned, she invites me over to her house every weekend to show me how to make quick meals.

Now, I have my limits. I like Paula, but I can't watch her parties. (Is it me or does her accent get thicka' when comp'ny comes ovah?) And I just never "got" Emeril. I prefer not to cook with sauce packets, so I pass on Sandra Lee. And Rachael's voice and overanimation do bad things to my chi, so...

So, am I one of a few with a soft spot for celebrity chefs? Oh well...