Biscotti with Cherries

Serving Size : 1

1 cup dried cherries
red wine to cover
1 cup almonds -- toasted and chopped
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 cup dried cherries
red wine to cover the cherries (optional)

Cover the cherries with red wine to plump them

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). 
Toast almonds for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. 
Let cool and then chop coarsely. Set aside. 
Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl lightly beat the eggs and extracts together. Set aside. 
In bowl of electric mixer combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. 
Beat until blended (about 30 seconds). 
Gradually add the egg mixture and beat until a dough forms, adding almonds about halfway through. 
With floured hands divide dough in half. 
On a lightly floured surface roll each half of dough into a log 
about 10 inches (25 cm) long and 2 inches (2.5 cm) wide. 
Transfer logs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, 
or until firm to the touch (logs will spread during baking). 
Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
Transfer logs to cutting board and, using a serrated knife, 
cut log into slices 1 1/2 inches (3.75 cm) thick on the diagonal. 
Arrange evenly on baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes, turn slices over, 
and bake another 10 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool. 
Store in an airtight container.

Note: Can substitute hazelnuts or walnuts for the almonds. 
If desired, add 1 tablespoon (5 grams) of orange or lemon zest to the egg mixture.
You can put a chocolate glaze on the biscotti. 
Melt 3 ounces (85 grams) of semi-sweet or white chocolate and 1 teaspoon (5 grams) 
vegetable shortening in a small metal bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. 
Stir until melted and smooth. When melted, place chocolate into a parchment triangle
or small plastic bag with one edge cut. Pipe onto the biscotti in a decorative pattern.
Alternatively, you can dip or spread with a small metal spatula one side of the biscotti 
with chocolate and let dry on a clean baking sheet.

Glaze:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon almond extract
Bring to boil to dissolve the sugar. Cool. Pour into a broad bowl and dip the tops of the biscotti.
Makes about 30 biscotti.