May 26, 2013

Chocolate Cherry Almond Biscotti

I'm Skyping with my famberly and have writer's block. No nifty stories today! Just yummy biscotti!


Chocolate Cherry Almond Biscotti

3 oz almond paste 
6 Tb unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar, plus 2 Tb
2 eggs
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark)
1/2 cup dried cherries

1/2-1 cup more chocolate chips for drizzling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat butter, almond paste, and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs and extracts and mix until smooth. Add flour and baking powder and mix till combined. Add almonds, chocolate chips, and cherries and mix until just combined.

On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, shape dough into a 12 inch by 4 inch log, patting evenly. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool 10 minutes, and carefully cut biscotti into slices with a sharp knife. Set slices on their cut sides, leaving a little space between each slice. Return to oven and bake 15-20 minutes. Remove and cool completely before drizzling.

Heat extra chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl (in the microwave) for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave, stir chocolate to distribute the melty-ness, and return to the microwave for 30 more seconds. Stir until all lumps disappear and drizzle with a spoon over biscotti. (For some reason, 1/2 cup was plenty for the white chocolate, but the dark chocolate was harder to drizzle and took about 3/4 cup)
I'm not usually a fan of white chocolate, but I liked the creaminess with this biscotti. The Geologist of course preferred the dark chocolate. 
These were his favorite biscotti ever!! They converted my Mom too! Coming up with new flavors is so much fun. The tart cherries and classic chocolate and almond combination is "moreishly scrummy". (that means "scrumptious" :)
I know almond paste is expensive, so you can skip it if you like. But it adds a deeper, sweeter almond note. In fact, I added it to my Almond Biscotti recipe too! 

3 comments :

  1. Good Evening April, Thank you so much for visiting me at Ivy, Phyllis and Me! it was so kind of you to leave me such a lovely comment. Oh yes, I agree, clotted cream on the scones is a dream! I did not suggest clotted cream as I have a lot of European and American readers and I did not think they would know what I meant.
    I love Biscotti dipped in coffee, but I have never baked it. I have to say I love almonds, so I really must give this recipe a try.
    I have enjoyed my visit April, so I have become a new follower.
    Best Wishes to you,
    Daphne

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  2. These look so pretty! Fit for a little bake shop, I say! :)

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  3. Fantastic, April. In a couple of weeks Food on Friday is going to be about Snacks & Treats - this would be just great for that one! Cheers

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