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Health & Fitness

New and Notable at Novato Farmers Market

Novato Farm to Table's featured vendor at the market: Gina's Biscotti

Gina Hawk is following her bliss. Fortunately for the rest of us, her bliss is making biscotti — and putting her own healthy spin on this classic Italian cookie.

Traditionally, biscotti have been a favorite for dunking, whether with coffee, tea, milk, or a glass of sweet vin santo wine for dessert. Gina's handmade version is so good they stand on their own. Even the banner that marks her booth at Novato Farmers' Market states, "no dipping necessary," and she's not exaggerating. Her biscotti, developed from an age old Italian recipe, are simply perfect as they are. Not only that, they're actually good for you!

Gina began making her biscotti 30 years ago as Christmas gifts for friends and family. Everyone who received them always asked for the recipe. Over time she tweaked the original ingredients, replacing the butter with vegetable oil, reducing the sugar to nearly non-existent, and adding organic, raw almonds to boost the protein content. She is proud to tell me that her biscotti are made from 90 percent  organic ingredients. "The result is a biscotti that tastes sinful, but isn't," she beams as she hands out samples to curious market patrons. I watch as people discover her product for the first time, and happily plunk down $4 for a raffia-tied package of six cookies. Her growing fans, already familiar with her product, stop by to replenish their supply.

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Gina's Biscotti offers two decadent flavors: classic almond vanilla and chocolate almond. Keep your eyes peeled for holiday offerings to come: cranberry orange, and chocolate dipped in chocolate. Gina also makes her biscotti nut-free by request. She will happily accept advance orders for your party or corporate event. They are the perfect hostess gift!

Be sure to stop by her booth at Novato Farmers Market every Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. through September, and treat yourself to some of her biscotti. Dipped or not, they're delightful.

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For special orders, email ginasbiscotti@gmail.com.

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