AN ENTREPRENEUR is bringing the taste of Italy to tea breaks across York and North Yorkshire by launching a homemade biscotti range.

Alison Akehurst, of Thixendale, began developing the sweet treats a year ago after visits to Italy and browsing on North American websites led her to believe there was a gap in the local market for more exciting recipes.

It was the University of York employee's first food venture so she was keen not to rush into production too soon, taking time to develop the recipes and test them on friends and colleagues, create the packaging with designer Ben Bradshaw, and put herself through a food hygiene course.

The fruits of her labour, Aunt Tonia's Biscotti, are now available to buy and six businesses have already started stocking them, including the Balloon Tree, in Gate Helmsley, where Alison buys all her eggs.

"It's a labour of love," she said. "I was not a professional cook, but I was always interested in cooking. I have just learnt as I have gone along. All you need is energy and the idea, and the patience to see it through."

At 55, Alison believes that her age has been a help, rather than a hindrance, to developing the business.

"When you are older, you perhaps have a bit more capital and the skills to be able to approach people and ask questions," she said.

Biscotti have existed for centuries and their name means "twice-baked". Their hard, dry texture means they are ideal for dunking in coffee, or the traditional British tipple of choice, tea.

Fairly traded products feature heavily in the ingredients of Aunt Tonia's Biscotti and all the packaging is made from recycled card.

Alison believes that the biscuits fit in with many consumers' desire for locally produced, quality foodstuffs.

"Small scale is good when it comes to food," she said. "More and more people are looking for that."

The biscotti are available in four flavours, priced at £2 for a 125g bag.

Alison also hopes to branch out into other Italian biscuits, such as Venetian and Florentines, create individual packaged biscotti for sale in cafs and restaurants, and launch a mail order service by the end of next year.

Updated: 10:50 Thursday, December 23, 2004