Cranberry-Almond Biscotti

I've been trying to whittle down my ever-growing list of recipes I"ve been wanting to try and haven't taken the opportunity to yet. As I perused the list, my eyes stopped on this one, Almond Biscotti, that I found at the JoyofBaking.com website. Super easy to follow and not a lot of ingredients to amass. I did, however, decide that I wanted the sweetness and texture that dried cranberries would add. It was a fortuitous decision. The biscotti came out crisp but not so that you'd be apt to break a tooth while enjoying. They're perfect alone or with a cup of your favorite hot (or cold... I discriminate not) beverage.

Cranberry-Almond Biscotti Recipe

1 cup (145 grams) blanched whole almonds, toasted and chopped coarsely
1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon (4 grams) pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) pure almond extract
3/4 - 1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Toast almonds for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool and then chop coarsely. Set aside.

Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl lightly beat the eggs and extracts together. Set aside.

In bowl of electric mixer combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat until blended (about 30 seconds). Gradually add the egg mixture and beat until a dough forms, adding almonds and dried cranberries about halfway through. With floured hands divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface roll each half of dough into a log about 10 inches (25 cm) long and 2 inches (2.5 cm) wide. Transfer logs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until firm to the touch (logs will spread during baking). Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.

Transfer logs to cutting board, and, using a serrated knife, cut log into slices 1/2 inch (1.254 cm) thick on the diagonal. Arrange evenly on baking sheet. Bake about 12 minutes, turn slices over, and bake another 12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container.

Note: Can substitute hazelnuts or walnuts for the almonds. Can also substitute other dried fruit, chopped, for the dried cranberries. If desired, add 1 tablespoon (5 grams) of orange or lemon zest to the egg mixture.

You can put a chocolate glaze on the biscotti. Melt 3 ounces (85 grams) of semi-sweet or white chocolate and 1 teaspoon (5 grams) vegetable shortening in a small metal bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth. When melted, place chocolate into a parchment triangle or small plastic bag with one edge cut. Pipe onto the biscotti in a decorative pattern. Alternatively, you can dip or spread with a small metal spatula one side of the biscotti with chocolate and let dry on a clean baking sheet.

Makes about 40 biscotti.


Source: Adapted from JoyofBaking.com