In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and egg white, followed by the vanilla extract.
With the mixer on a slow speed, gradually incorporate the flour mixture, stirring just until no streaks of dry ingredients remain. Set aside.
Make the Chocolate Dough:
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, instant coffee/espresso and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and egg white, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts.
With the mixer on a slow speed, gradually incorporate the flour mixture, stirring just until no streaks of dry ingredients remain.
Assembly and Baking
Divide the chocolate dough in half. Dollop the dough onto the baking sheet in two rough logs.
With lightly floured hands, shape each into a log about 1-in high and 8-10-in long (log should be quite narrow) on the prepared baking sheet. Leave 4-5 inches between logs to allow for spread (or use two baking sheets).
Divide the vanilla dough in half. With lightly floured hands,
shape each half of the dough into a rectangular blanket about 1-cm thick
and drape it over the chocolate log. Cut off excess and use to patch holes in the dough. Chocolate log should be completely covered.
Bake logs for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Cookies will spring back when lightly pressed in the center.
Allow dough log to cool on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes,
then slice into cookies ½ – inch thick using a sharp chefs knife or serrated knife. Arrange upright on baking sheet.
Lower oven temperature to 350 F. Bake cookies a second time for 20-25 minutes, until they are lightly browned on the sides and slightly crisp. Top and bottom of the biscotti should be relatively dark.
Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container.
Makes about 24-36, depending on thickness.
Recipe by Khatta Meetha at http://khattameetha.com/dessert/chocolate-spiced-biscotti