Christmas Biscotti: With Hodgepodge Arty

This is a slightly different twist on usual biscotti - and your average Christmas cookie!  Great for gift-giving, too!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

3 cups flour

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon anise extract

1 tablespoon grated orange peel

1/2 cup candied red or green cherries

1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit

also...

1 egg white

1 teaspoon water

1 tablespoon sugar

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until soft and fluffy.  Add 1 cup of the flour to the butter.  When mixed, add the 1 cup sugar, eggs, egg yolk, baking powder, and anise.  Beat until thoroughly combined.  Mix in remaining flour and orange peel.  Stir in candied fruits.  Divide dough in half. 

Shape each portion into a loaf, about 11" long, 2" wide, 1" high.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Combine egg white and water and brush this mixture over loaves.  Sprinkle with sugar. 

Bake in 375 oven for 20-25 minutes, until lightly browned.  Cool loaves on cookie sheet for 1 hour. 

Cut each loaf into 1/2"-thick slices.  Lay slices, cut side down, on cookie sheet.  Bake in 325 oven for 10 minutes.  Turn slices over and bake for 10-15 minutes, until biscotti is dry and crisp.  Remove and cool on wire racks. 

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Karen

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Thanks so much Karen, she will be back with a few more treats before the countdown is through. For more information on Karen visit her blog or the Bio Page.