We imagined our grandma hovering lovingly above us as we worked.  We also imagined what would happen if our grandmother conversed with Vera and Alla's grandmothers. We knew that our grandma would prepare treats and tea no matter what the conversation. Below is an updated version of her mandelbrot.  See the deleted chapters for the imagined conversation that might accompany these treats.  I converted the recipe so that you would not lose a filling.

Mandelbrot—Updated version: Chocolate Shot Biscotti

2 eggs
1 cup canola oil
1 cup sugar

2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

4 ounces chocolate shot (jimmies, sprinkles)
6 ounces slivered almonds, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla

cinnamon and sugar

Beat eggs, oil, and sugar until well mixed. Add flour, baking powder and salt and continue to beat with mixer until dough is smooth. Add chocolate shot, almonds, and vanilla.

Chill dough at least 8 hours.

Form into rolls (like play-doh snakes) and place on a cookie sheet leaving ample room between rolls. 3 rolls fit across a standard cookie sheet.

Bake @ 350º for 30 minutes. Slice on the diagonal. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake again @250º for 1 hour.

With a standard mixer, the recipe can be doubled and will still fit in the bowl.