Ultimate Holiday Biscotti

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon peel, grated
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon whole anise seed
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup pine nuts
• 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped, to garnish (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift first 3 ingredients into medium bowl. Using food processor or electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Mix in flour mixture just until blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts.

2. 2

   Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into 15-inch log (about 1 1/4 inches wide). Carefully transfer logs to a prepared baking sheet, spacing 3 inches apart.

3. 3

   Bake logs until almost firm to touch but still pale, 25-30 minutes Cool logs on baking sheet 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Carefully transfer logs still on parchment to cutting board. Using serrated knife and gentle sawing motion, cut logs crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place slices, cut side down, on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until firm and golden, about 9 minutes perside. Transfer biscotti to racks and cool.

5. 5

   OPTIONAL GARNISH: Melt chocolate. Dip 1 long side of each biscotti into melted chocolate. Place cookies on wax paper, let stand until chocolate is firm.