Hello all. I hope that everyone is bundled up and enjoying the holidays with their families. So far, I am having a great holiday season with my family and friends.
I recently attended a holiday party on a boat called The Atlantica. We cruised around the Hudson River and enjoyed stunning views of the New York City skyline. No matter how many times I see it, I am still thrilled by that view.
I really love to bake during this time of year. One of my favorite recipes to make is biscotti. Whether you’re enjoying biscotti with tea, coffee or a holiday punch, it’s the perfect seasonal treat. Below is my favorite recipe. It’s easier than most biscotti recipes and I think you’ll love it!
My Favorite Biscotti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 1/4 cups flour, all-purpose
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup raw pistachio nuts
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Butter and flour a baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until blended.
5. In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, cloves and salt.
6. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until blended.
7. Stir in cranberries and pistachios.
8. Divide the dough in half.
9. One at a time, place the 2 dough portions on the prepared baking sheet and form each into a log about 1/2 inch high, 1 1/2 inches wide and 14 inches long.
10. Space logs at least 2 inches apart.
11. Bake the logs for 25-30 minutes or until set and light brown.
12. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool 6-8 minutes.
13. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees.
14. Using a very sharp knife, cut the logs in the diagonal into slices 3/8 inch thick.
15. Stand the slices upright on the baking sheet and return the sheet to the oven for 15 minutes to dry the cookies thoroughly.
16. Transfer to racks to cool.
I made some with pistachios and some with chocolate chips. Let me know how yours turn out!
Since the holidays are such a busy time, I wanted to send everyone a reminder about an amazing promotion. For today only, everything is on Easy Pay! You’re done with your holiday shopping, so you can finally treat yourself to those pieces that you’ve been dreaming about.
I know that you’re at home relaxing, so this really is the perfect time for self-indulgence. Enjoy the rest of the holiday season! See you next year!
XO, Judith