Biscotti with Raisins and Dried Cherries

Recipe courtesy of California Raisin Marketing Board.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/2 cup California natural raisins, chopped
1/2 cup California golden raisins, chopped
1/4 cup brandy, cognac, rum or orange juice
1 1/2 cups basic gluten free baking mix
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup sweet rice flour
1/4 cup almond flour
2 teaspoons grated lemon or orange zest
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
1 whole egg
1 egg white, for glazing

Cooking Directions:

1. Measure cherries, raisins and brandy into a bowl. Cover and let stand for 15 to 20 minutes. Mix baking mix, sugar, rice flour, almond flour, zest, soda, baking powder, nutmeg, xanthan gum and salt together.
2. In small bowl, whisk 2 egg whites and whole egg until frothy. Stir into dry ingredients along with undrained fruits; mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
4. Turn dough onto counter dusted with rice flour. Flour hands generously and divide dough into 3 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a log about 12-inch long. Place logs as far apart as possible on prepared cookie sheet. Flatten slightly to 1/2-inch thick and 2-inch wide.
5. Lightly beat remaining egg white and brush onto logs.
6. Bake logs for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until golden. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
8. Cut logs on slight diagonal into slices about 1-inch thick. Stand slices upright on cookie sheet. Return to oven and dry for 25 minutes. Cool.

Makes 36 biscotti.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/36 of recipe): Calories: 60; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 5mg; Total Carbs: 14g; Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 1g; Sodium: 105mg; Potassium: 94mg.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of California Raisin Marketing Board.