Saturday, April 1, 2017

Cranberry pecan biscotti

Based on this almond biscotti recipe:
http://www.italian-dessert-recipes.com/almond_biscotti_recipe.html

I consider this relatively healthy because it's only 2/3 cup a sugar spread over 16 slices and contains no butter. I read somewhere that real Italian biscotti should not contain butter; that butter is an American modification. Correct me if I'm wrong. I had XL instead of just large eggs at home, so I substituted a flaxseed egg for the other egg, which adds another healthier substitution without seriously compromising taste or texture. Also, if you use walnuts instead of pecans, you add omega-3 fatty acids to make it even healthier.


Cranberry Pecan Biscotti (makes ~12-16 biscotti)

Ingredients:
1 large egg
just under 2/3 cup sugar
1 Tbs ground flaxseed + 3 Tbs water
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup toasted, chopped pecans (and walnuts, opt)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (make sure they are still dried yet moist, not hard and dry)

Directions:

  1. If pecans are not yet toasted: toast pecans on skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes. Let cool then chop.
  2. Mix flaxseed and water in a small bowl and let sit for a 3-5 minutes to thicken.
  3. Mix the all-purpose flour, pastry flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
  4. Beat egg and sugar till turns lighter in color. Beat in flaxseed water. Beat till light colored and thick.
  5. Fold the wet into the dry ingredients until incorporated.
  6. Fold in the nuts and cranberries.
  7. Preheat oven to 350 deg Fahrenheit. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a cookie sheet or lightly grease the cookie sheet.
  8. Gather the dough (it will be sticky!) and place in a log-shape on the center of the parchment paper. Use a spoon to smooth out the dough into a longer log with even sides. You may use the parchment paper to help shape the log.
  9. Based on the recipe, you can bake a log that is about 12 inches long by 3.5 inches wide for 25 minutes.
  10. Remove and let cool for 8-10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 deg Fahrenheit.
  11. Slice into about 16 slices. Place slices cut-side down on the cookie sheet and bake for another 10 minutes. Flip over and bake another 10 minutes.
  12. Remove, cool at least 5 minutes and enjoy!
Ideas:
  • Ice with a simple vanilla, milk or lemon icing 
  • Melt dark chocolate chips and dip half of the biscotti or the top side of the biscotti in the dark chocolate and let harden
  • Eat with coffee or milk

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