Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Ernie's Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti ...

These just "feel" like the holidays to me...I have posted them before, but they are worth posting again. This recipe is from my friend Ernie...one of the best bakers I know.  I have not even uploaded my Thanksgiving pics yet and here it is almost Chanukah and Christmas. Life flies by...but that is ok with me.
  
Cranberry/Pistachio Biscotti
3 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, room temp.
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
grated zest of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon orange oil (I sometimes use King Arthur's Fiori de Sicilia, which is a blend of citrus and vanilla, or just vanilla extract instead of the orange oil)
1 cup shelled pistachios
1 cup dried cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees(F.) Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the dry ingredients.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the orange zest and orange oil.
4. With mixer on low speed, gradually stir in the flour mixture until smooth, then stir in the pistachios and cranberries.
5. Divide the dough into thirds. Shape each piece into a 12 inch log. Place two logs on one sheet(apart) and the other in the middle of the other cookie sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes, until the logs turn a light golden color and are somewhat firm to the touch. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack and reduce oven to 300 degrees.
Let cool about 15 minutes, then using a serrated knife, slice diagonally into 1/2 inch slices. Place upright on cookie sheets and bake for about 20 minutes, until dry and lightly golden. Let cool on rack, enjoy!
Makes about 3-4 dozen biscotti 


Though it is not necessary at all....I sometimes gild the lily and drizzle some melted white chocolate over these babies. The recipe makes a lot and they disappear very quickly...
I want to wish each and every one of you a most magical holiday season....
Thanks to the Graphics Fairy for the pretty greens....

11 comments:

  1. I've made this type of biscotti before. I'm not sure if this is the exact recipe, but it looks like a winner. It's one of my favorite combinations! Biscotti is our #1 Christmas food tradition.
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  2. Thanks for stopping by Karen...Happy Holidays to you! I have posted this one a few times before...but it is well worth repeating. This one is our favorite...

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  3. So festive! Love the photos....may be making these tomorrow. Thanks Linda.....happy holidays!

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  4. Ils sont magnifiques..

    Happy Holidays dear Linda~x

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  5. Those twice-baked cookies look so festive!

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  6. I think I would definitely go for the chocolate on top, Linda. Great looking cookie.

    Btw, I was thinking about the passage of time the other day... how the weeks seem to be screaming by.

    I think of aging like climbing a hill. At a certain point it's hard work getting up the hill.. so a Friday date seems years away. At my age, I've gotten over the top and the road is faster and faster. That's what it feels like at any rate. You blink and the week is over!

    Have a great holiday!!!

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  7. Thank you my sweet friends!

    Deana...I feel the same way.
    But life is good...that is the important thing....even with the bumps in the road.I am just living it the best and most full way I know how...

    Merry Merry...Happy Happy....
    Love to all of you!
    L!xo

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  8. hi linda, thanks for all your visits, i have no net at all when by the sea, which is basically this whole month of dec, i just came home to grab pans to cook xmas dinner! i want to wish you a very happy holiday season and a happy new year while i am still plugged in!

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  9. I agree - these are so festive. I love the combination but never seem to have pistachios on my grocery list. Love the music background too.

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  10. Thanks my friends....
    Merry ,Merry!!!!
    L~xo

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  11. Printed:) Look at us all these years later:)

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