Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Tuesdays With Dorie 14: Lenox Almond and Sweet Cherry Biscotti



Bischetti? Bruschetta? Biscerti? No one seemed to know what biscotti was. I thought it was a fairly common type of biscuit, but it appears not. I'm sure though, that after tasting this delicious biscuit, everybody would be wanting to get to know biscotti. I admit that I haven't really eaten much biscotti in my life- only the pre packaged type. Like Dorie, I now want to have this stocked up permanantely in my house. I love that it's so easy to make and that it lasts a relatively long time. Most crunchy biscuits go soggy the day after baking, but these stayed crisp until the very last one was eaten (1 week later). So a big thanks to Gretchen of Canela & Comino who chose this weeks recipe.

I ran into trouble with my first batch of biscotti- I didn't cook it long enough in the first bake. When I cut it into 'soldiers', the inside batter was still runny and flowed out, making for a rather stumpy looking biscotti (like the body of a lizard). The first batch was only a half batch but after tasting some of the discarded first batch, I promptly decided to make a full batch next. In addition to the almonds, I added in some dried sweet cherries which turned out so delicious. I spotted various types of dried berries while at the markets the other day and I just had to make something with them. I'll definitely be going back to try out the blueberries and raspberries (not to mention more sweet cherries). Instead of almond extract I added in vanilla- purely because I had no almond on hand. Next time we visit S's sister, we will be taking a batch of macadamia and sweet cherry biscotti for sure- yum!

The addition of the cornmeal made for a very interesting texture. At first I was unsure if I liked it, but by the end, I loved it! I'm really trying not to eat much of my baking as it's no good for the hips, so S happily devoured the majority of the biscotti. A full batch yielded quite a few biscotti (maybe 20 or so) and of that, I only ate one and gave 3 to my mum... I've learnt my lesson now and will only be making very small batches in future because S can't be trusted! He loved these so much that I had to resort to counting them before I left the house to make sure he wasn't eating too many per day!

As usual, I am sure all the Tuesdays with Dorie gang have come up with delicious and interesting variations for biscotti, so check them out!


14 comments:

vibi said...

Well for one that wasen't sure what biscotti were, you have succeeded very well at showing off the true meaning of tasteful simplicity!
How perfect!
Bravo!

Lori said...

lizard body, that's the perfect description! the recipe directions were not written very well for this one, but the taste was fantastic! great job!

Engineer Baker said...

At least the first attempt proved that you should make the whole recipe. They look delicious.

Chantelle {fat mum slim} said...

I've never made biscotti either. In fact, I've seen it around a lot but not sure that I've ever eaten it either.

Your biscotti looks delicious, and seemingly (by S's account) was.

Thanks for sharing. I'd love to try a chocolate and hazelnut version. x

Amy of Sing For Your Supper said...

They look great! Aren't you glad you know all about biscotti now?!

-Amy
www.singforyoursupperblog.com

Carol Peterman/TableFare said...

I somehow justify biscotti as a guilt-free cookie. Maybe because they are so crispy they seem less dangerous, except for the fact that I too can't seem to stop eating them. Beautiful results! I bet everyone's books have the baking times scratched out and re-written.

Shelby said...

I think its funny you were having to count your biscotti! Great job!

Anonymous said...

They look gorgeous Bria! I used to not like biscotti until I tried good biscotti. I think these would definitely fall into the "good" category or "great" category!

Anonymous said...

Your biscotti look perfect. I loved this recipe it was so easy to make. I'm definitely making them again.

TeaLady said...

Isn't this recipe great. And so easy. Love the extra crunch of the cornmeal. Yours look tasty.

Rebecca of "Ezra Pound Cake" said...

Cherry and mac nut? Sounds awesome. I halved the recipe, and I'm living in regret. ;)

Bria said...

Bad wording on my part.. I did know what biscotti was, but a lot of people like S and my mum didn't seem to know?

chantelle: a chocolate and hazelnut version would be amazing! I'll try that one out next time.

carol: I know what you mean- biscotti do seem healthier don't they? Though I knew better and just let myself eat one!

nqn: yes, I definitely think 'good' biscotti is a must. I love how portable these are- i'll be making them for gifts all the time now!

rebecca: That's why I am glad my first batch didn't turn out, otherwise i'd be missing out! Definitely make a full batch next time.

But as everybody has said- it's a great recipe and I recommend everyone try it! I thought the sweet cherries I used added a nice sweetness to it.

Gretchen Noelle said...

Macadamia & cherry sure caught my eye!! Those sound great. You did a terrific job with these!

Shari said...

Your biscotti look great!