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Christmas: Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Source of Recipe

Martha Stewart


Recipe Introduction

"Biscotti, the traditional Italian cookie whose name literally means “twice cooked,” is usually enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee or glass of dessert wine. This version, brought to Martha Stewart Living prep kitchen manager John Barricelli, calls for cranberries and pistachios, which add both a distinctive flavor and a festive red-and-green hue for the holidays."

List of Ingredients

1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup boiling water
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup sanding sugar


Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Place cranberries in a small bowl, and add 1/2 cup boiling water, or enough to cover. Let stand until cranberries are plump, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper, and set aside.



2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Add the dry ingredients, beating on low, until fully combined. Stir in the drained cranberries and pistachios.



3. Remove dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide in two. Roll each piece into a 2-inch-by-18-inch log, and place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches between logs. Flatten logs slightly with palm of hand. In a small bowl, lightly beat remaining egg. Brush logs with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sanding sugar.



4. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool on a rack until warm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Place logs on a cutting board, and cut crosswise on the diagonal into 3/4-inch pieces. Return biscotti to baking sheet, cut side down. Bake until biscotti are beginning to brown around the edges, about 12 minutes more. Transfer to wire racks to cool.


SPECIAL THANKS
John Barricelli

YIELD: 4 Dozen