Christmas biscotti
Prep:
20 mins
Cook:
25 mins
Christmas biscotti is one of the seasons’ best. We think these little gems will make a lovely gift idea.
350g plain flour, plus extra for rolling
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp mixed spice
250g golden caster sugar
3 eggs, beaten
Coarsely grated zest, 1 orange
85g raisins
85g dried cherries
50g blanched almonds
50g shelled pistachios
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas mark 4.
Line 2 baking sheets with grease proof paper and set aside.
Combine the flour, baking powder, spice and sugar in a large bowl, then mix well.
Stir in the eggs and zest until the mixture starts forming clumps, then bring the dough together with your hands.
Keep kneading until no floury patches remain.
Add the fruit and nuts, mixing well.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 4 pieces.
With lightly floured hands, roll each piece into a sausage shape about 30cm long.
Place 2 on each tray, spaced apart.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the dough has risen, and feels firm.
Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack until cool enough to handle.
Turn down the oven to 140°C / 275°F / Gas mark 1.
Using a bread knife, cut the sausage shapes into slices about 1cm thick on the diagonal, then lay the slices flat on the baking sheets.
Bake for another 30 minutes turning half way through until golden and dry.
Tip onto a wire rack to cool completely, then store in an airtight tin for up to one month, or wrap as gifts.
Serves
Makes 20 biscotti
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Main ingredients
Flour, Fruit, Eggs, Sugar
Recipe Type
Gifts, Cookies & Biscuits
Level of Difficulty
Moderately Easy
