Biscotti

Last year I went "scone crazy". I made every type of scone I could think of. It was great fun. I'm trying out biscotti now. Since I mostly use allrecipes to find my recipes, you'll probably see me point you there plenty. For my first try at biscotti I used all recipes' version of Spring Biscotti:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (this is really what makes this recipe....don't skip!!)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg white
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 1/4 cups pistachio nuts

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs and egg white one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture using a wooden spoon. Stir in the white chocolate, dried cranberries, and pistachios. Cover, and chill for 30 minutes, or until dough is no longer sticky.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface, and divide into halves. Form each half into a flattish log about 12 inches long by 3 inches wide. Arrange logs at least 3 inches apart on baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30 minutes in preheated oven, or until pale gold. Allow logs to cool on the baking sheet until cool enough to handle. On a cutting board, cut logs crosswise on a diagonal into 1 inch thick slices. Arrange on baking sheet.
5. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden. Transfer biscotti to wire racks, and cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

I substituted 1 cup of whole wheat flour for one of the cups of white flower and used dried cherries instead of dried cranberries. I also used much less pistachios...maybe 3/4 cup. It just took forever to shell them! All and all I think they turned out well and I was amazed how easy it was to get the shape and texture. They are perfect dipped in some tea or coffee. I drizzled with confec. sugar and milk because I didn't want to mess with melting the chocolate but next time....

The recipe makes enough to have plenty for home and give some to a neighbor. Enjoy!!!