Cherry Biscotti

Biscotti with dried, sweet-tart cherries, orange zest and walnuts.

Recipe Ingredients:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon orange juice
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped dried cherries
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon water
Granulated sugar for sprinkling

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine 3/4 cup sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed, scraping bowl often, 2 to 3 minutes, or until thick and pale yellow in color. Add oil, orange juice, orange peel and vanilla; beat 1 to 2 minutes, or until well mixed. Combine flour, walnuts, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture. Mix on low speed 1 to 2 minutes, or until well mixed. Stir in cherries by hand.
2. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface (dough will be soft and sticky). Lightly sprinkle with additional flour; knead flour into dough. With floured hands, shape into 2 (8 x 2-inch) logs. Place 3 to 4-inches apart on a greased baking sheet; flatten tops slightly. Combine egg white and water; brush on logs. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
3. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven 25 to 30 minutes, or until light brown and firm to the touch. Let cool on baking sheet 15 minutes.
4. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Cut logs diagonally into 1/2-inch slices with a serrated knife; arrange slices, cut-side down, on baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes; turn slices. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to wire rack; let cool completely.

Makes 18 biscotti.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.