Cherry Almond Biscotti & Holiday Hot, Spiced Tea

As I sit in front of the fire on this blustery Sunday afternoon enjoying a mid afternoon snack, I find myself feeling a bit selfish for not sharing the recipes for this wonderful little respite from the rat race that is daily life. So, in the interest of unburdening my conscience of this weighty responsibility, the menu and recipes follow.

1 pair slippers (lined if possible)
1 pair lounging pants (polar fleece preferred)
1 ea T-shirt, quite worn and soft
1 ea sweatshirt, heavy and comfortable
1 ea ottoman, on which to rest one's feet
1 ea crackling fire, all the better to blog by or relax (your choice)
1 ea quiet Sunday afternoon
2 to 3 ea Cherry Almond Biscotti
1 ea cup Holiday Hot, Spiced Tea

Combine and enjoy!

I believe the first seven ingredients are pretty self explanatory, however, the final two may need some additional explanation.

Cherry Almond Biscotti - These wonderful little treats get a big boost from the addition of amaretto which accentuates the flavor of the almonds and highlights the tart dried cherries.

1 3/4 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup amaretto (almond flavored liqueur)
3 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 lg eggs (3 whole, 1 lightly beaten)
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole blanched almonds, chopped
3 Tbsp sugar (larger granules than table sugar that sparkle when sprinkled on baked goods and candies)

Preheat oven to 375°. Heat cherries with liqueur in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, eight minutes. Drain, reserving 2 Tbsp liquid.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix together butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy, about two minutes. Mix in 3 eggs, 1 at a time. Mix in cherry liquid and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Stir in cherries and nuts.

On a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half. Shape each half into a 12 1/2 by 2 1/2 inch log. Flatten logs to 1/2 inch thick. Transfer to two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Brush logs with beaten egg; sprinkle with sanding sugar.

Bake 35 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; let cool 20 minutes. Cut each log on the diagonal into 16 to 18 pieces. Transfer pieces to racks, laying them on sides. Set racks on 2 baking sheets. Bake in a 300° oven eight minutes. Flip and bake 8 more minutes. Let cool until crisp.

Holiday Hot, Spiced Tea Much like the biscotti, this recipe would also benefit from the addition of amaretto if you are so inclined and have nothing more on the agenda!

1 tsp whole cloves
1 stick cinnamon
3 qt water
6 tea bags
1 pint orange juice
juice of 2 lemons
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar (or to taste)

Tie spices loosely in cheesecloth or spice bag and bring to boil in water. Remove from heat. Add tea; cover and steep 10 minutes. Remove all bags. Add sugar and juices. Mixture can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated as needed. For a festive touch, red food coloring may be added as well as the aforementioned amaretto.

I feel much better now. Please excuse me while I continue enjoying my afternoon by the fire.