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Cherry Biscotti

in Diana's Recipe Book

Average Rating: 
(total ratings: 2)
[Read reviews] [Post a review]
Servings: Makes 2 1/2 dozen biscotti
 
Comments:
What is Biscotti?

Definition: (Pronounced: bee-SKAWT-toh; bee-SKAWT-tee). A twice-baked Italian biscuit (cookie) that's made by first baking it in a loaf pan or shaping the dough into log shapes and placing the logs on a lightly greased large baking sheet, then slicing the loaf or logs and baking the slices. The result is an intensely crunchy cookie that is perfect for dipping into dessert wine or coffee. Biscotti can be variously flavored; the most popular additions are anise seed, hazelnuts or almonds.

This version of Biscotti is made with dried cherries, and goes very well with tea or coffee and makes a wonderful addition to an afternoon tea.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon orange juice
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped dried cherries
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
Granulated sugar

Instructions:
1). Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees C. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

2). Combine the 3/4 cup sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed, scraping bowl often, 2 to 3 minutes, or until thick and pale yellow in color. Add oil, orange juice, orange peel and vanilla; beat 1 to 2 minutes, or until well mixed.

3). Combine flour, walnuts, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture. Mix on low speed 1 to 2 minutes, or until well mixed. Stir in cherries by hand.

4). Turn dough onto lightly floured surface (dough will be soft and sticky). Lightly sprinkle with additional flour; knead flour into dough. With floured hands, shape into 2 (8 x 2-inch/20cm x 5cm) logs.

5). Place logs 3 to 4 inches apart on a greased baking sheet; flatten tops slightly.

6). Combine egg white and water; brush over logs. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until light brown and firm to the touch.

7). Let cool on baking sheet 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F/150 degrees C.

8). Cut logs diagonally into 1/2-inch slices with a serrated knife; arrange slices, cut-side down, on baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes; turn slices. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to wire rack; let cool completely.

Makes approximately 2-1/2 dozen biscotti.

Date: August 1, 2003

Reviews

Reviewer: Deanna Giglio
Rating: 
Review:
This recipe, though time consuming, was quite easy to make. I substituted pecans for the walnuts. I also dipped the bottoms of the biscotti in white chocolate! They are SO good!

 
Reviewer: mary portier
Rating: 
Review:
Also substituted pecans for walnuts with fine results! Made several batches, wrapped in Christmas cellophane, tied with ribbon and presented to friends as extra Christmas favors. Everyone loved them. In some of the batches I used almond flavoring instead of vanilla and left the pecans a bit chunky; also great! Will repeat next year and maybe for church baking events.

 

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