Cranberry Nut Biscotti

Cranberry Nut Biscotti

I am truly a biscotti fan! They are such a versatile treat, that are so easy to make and can last for weeks in a covered container. I love to make them for gifts because they travel very well and can be adapted to just about anyones taste. I recently made a new recipe which combined walnuts, dried cranberries, grated orange zest and cinnamon. I drizzled white chocolate over the top - and they made a perfect birthday present for Mom! A great fall combination that is perfect with a hot cup of tea.

origin - www.cdkitchen.com
difficulty - easy
health meter - medium

1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Margarine or butter -- softened
2 teaspoons Grated orange peel (you can also use lemon zest)
3 Eggs
3 cups All purpose flour
3 teaspoons Baking powder
3/4 cup Sweetened dried cranberries; chopped
1/4 cup Chopped almonds *I used walnuts
***Glaze*** I drizzled melted white chocolate chips combined with a splash of half/half over the top.
1 cup Powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon Grated orange peel
4 teaspoons Skim milk

Directions:

Heat oven to 350. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray. I like to line with parchment paper instead.

In large bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, and margarine; beat until well blended. Add 2 teaspoons orange peel and eggs; beat well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Stir in flour and baking powder; mix well. Stir in cranberries and almonds.

With spray-coated hands, shape dough into 3 rolls, about 7 inches long. Place rolls at least 3 inches apart on sprayed cookie sheeet; flatten each to form 3/4 inch thick rectangle, about 3 inches wide and 7 inches long.

Bake at 350 for 18-25 minutes or until rectangles are light golden brown and centers are firm to the touch. Place rectangles on wire racks; cool 5 minutes.

Wipe cookie sheet clean. With serrated knife, cut each rectangle into 1/2 inch slices; place cut side up, on cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes or until top surface is slightly dry. Turn cookies over; bake an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until top surface is slighlty dry. Remove cookies from cookie sheets; cool completely on wire racks.

In small bowl, combine all glaze ingredients, adding enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cookies. Let stand until glaze is set. Store tightly covered.

80 calories per cookie--20 calories from fat--2 grams of fat per cookie.

This recipe for Cranberry Orange Biscotti serves/makes 4 dozen