Sunday, November 6, 2011

Easy Peasy Biscotti!

Welcome to "Baking Biscotti 101". I will be your instructor.

First lesson: Repeat after me "If Elaine can make it, anyone can." Isn't that encouraging?

Now, for the recipe:

Cranberry Biscotti

2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs + 2 egg whites
1 Tbs vanilla extract
1 6 oz package Craisins
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 325. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together eggs, egg whites, and vanilla extract. Add to dry ingredients, mixing just until moist. Add dried cranberries and almonds. Mix thoroughly.

On a floured surface, divide batter in half and pat each half into a log approximately 14 inches long. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until firm. Cool on a wire rack.

Reduce oven to 300. Cut biscotti into 1/2 inch slices. Stand upright on cookie sheet and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Let cool and store in a loosely covered container. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.


This is especially easy to make if you have a stand mixer. I use it to whisk the eggs and vanilla. Then add the dry ingredients. Finish by adding the Craisins and almonds. I have a confession to make. I'm in love with my KitchenAid mixer. Seriously, in love. I bought mine in black to make me look slimmer.



Here are some photos of the different steps. You cannot go wrong with this recipe. It must have been humid today because the dough came out wetter than usual and spread out more. Never fear. I just ignored that fact, and kept going. Just be aware that you will need a lot of flour for your floured surface if the dough is sticky. This will not affect the taste!















I hope you give this recipe a try. It makes a great holiday gift!


I have a confession to make. I didn't want to make tea or coffee just for the last photo, so I used...okay, this will gross you out...prune juice with a little milk. How disgusting is that? Now don't go back and look at it!

Thank you to Susan from Between Naps On The Porch for hosting Metamorphosis Monday.

Joining Debbiedoos Newbie Party, too!

Be sure to check out my sister's blog at Robin Flies South...


I would love it if you became a follower! Sometimes my "follow" button does
a disappearing act. If it does, I hope you come back and try again!
It's time for me to check out the other blogs!

21 comments:

Robin said...

I knew my white Kitchen Aid mixer made me look fat!!! Seriously, this looks really good especially on your pretty china!

Robin
Robin Flies South

Savannah, Chloe, & Tyler said...

I really love biscotti and will have to try your recipe. It looks wonderful.

MMR said...

This seems much easier than other recipes and you've made it simple. The Biscotti look delish on your beautiful china and until you mentioned it, didn't think a thing about the "coffee". Will try your recipe this week.

Mr. Wonderful said...

This is the recipe that gets passed around my side of the family every holiday season. The recipe originates with my brother Gary. It seems appropriate to mention this tidbit of information since Elaine made his recipe on his birthday! Happy birthday to Gary and enjoy the biscotti!

Elaine said...

Of course, you are right, Mr. Wonderful! Your brother Gary does deserve thanks! How funny that I made them on his birthday! Love you!

pam {simple details} said...

I love making biscotti during the holidays, can't wait to try your recipe, it sounds delicious!

Claudia Fabiana said...

This recipe looks so good and yummy for the holidays...

I'm a new follower from DebbyDoos blog. Stop by for a visit on my blog too!

Maria Elena said...

This recipe sounds wonderful!
I love biscotti and I buy it all the time. Never knew it was this easy to make.
Thank you so much for sharing!
I love your blog. Please come by and visit mine anytime!

Donna said...

I saw you at Debby's newbie link party today and decided to visit. I need to try this recipe! I'm not a biscotti lover, typically, as dunking food makes for wet food, and I don't like mushy food but these look SO delicious without the worry of having to dunk in my coffee! I will be back and I'm following you!

K&B by the Sea said...

Hahahha! Love your line about the black KitchenAid :-) I've never made biscotti before, but I'm going to have to try it now using your recipe :-) I won't be using your coffee recipe, though! ;-)

laxsupermom said...

Yum! Your biscotti look delicious! Too funny about the coffee - I've been known to fudge with my photo staging, too. Thanks for sharing.

Judy said...

Looks wonderful. I'll have to make it for Thanksgiving. Everyone will be impressed!

Elegant Economies said...

Makes me want to try prune juice! Just kidding! You make biscotti look doable. Thanks
New follower.
Audrey

black eyed susans kitchen said...

My blue Kitchen Aid is so passe...I actually saw the black one in a store last week and pointed it out to my husband...it would go better with our kitchen (lol). This biscotti recipe looks pretty easy and is great to have on hand during the holiday season.

Designing Domesticity said...

Um, this looks delish. We just got an espresso machine - think I'll have to make some biscotti to accompany my coffee. Thanks for posting and stopping by my blog the other day. liz

Unknown said...

Thanks for visiting my blog Elaine. I am now following BOTH your blogs ! You are HIL*AR*IOUS !
Can't wait to see what you say next! Thanks for making me laugh out loud !

Dawn@MakingHome

Anonymous said...

Mmm will make some this weekend! Thank you ever SO much!

abeachcottage said...

That looks delish! Thanks for sharing the recipe :)

Debbiedoos said...

Oh my you are so good. These biscotti look wonderful. Thanks for sharing with my newbie party.

Maria Elena said...

Elaine, I just wanted to tell you thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe, My daughter and I gave it a try last Friday and it has been a big hit around this house. Everybody loved the biscotti!!!!
I will be making some more for the holidays, specially because my son will be coming home on leave from the Navy and he just loves biscotti!!!! Thank you again!

Anonymous said...

Elaine,
Hi! You have the name my sister had. I want to try your Biscotti recipe it looks good. I am a follower now too. Pat