Cookie Traditions Old and New

December 20, 2011 by 28 Comments
Each holiday season I like to add a few new cookies to my tried and true regulars, this year I wanted to try out these cookie stamps that I saw in my Williams-Sonoma catalog.
Each stamp is embossed with a beautiful design, a wreath, a snowflake and a gift tag.

The dough is a basic sugar cookie dough that has been chilled then rolled into balls, flattened and then stamped.
I was impressed how well the embossed design showed up, but the decorating part was another story! I bought those edible markers and they didn’t work out very well on the bare cookies, next time, (if there is a next time) I’ll use a piping bag with a small tip.

One cookie I can always count on our my Fig and Pistachio Biscotti  I make them every year and they are truly a favorite!
Along with Cucidati of course!
Traditional Italian fig cookies, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without them!
Wishing all my readers a very healthy and happy holiday season filled with family, food and fun!
Thank you for all your support through out the year, I appreciate each and every email and comment!
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28 Comments Filed Under: Cookies, Seasonal Tagged: , , ,

Fig and Pistachio Biscotti

December 1, 2009 by 60 Comments

packaged biscottiIt’s that time of year again. and baking is in full force! Are you ready to bake some biscotti? I think you’ll love these fig and pistachio biscotti. The blending of fig with a hint of warm anise and orange makes this biscotti flavor such a winner, not to mention the pistachio nuts!

I would encourage you to double or triple the recipe so you can give them out as gifts to friends, family and neighbors.

Biscotti keep very well so you can make them in advance. I like to store mine in boxes or cans with wax paper in between the layers.

 

baked biscotti
Biscotti are twice baked, crunchy and perfect for those that dip them into coffee, espresso or milk, I’m personally not a dipper, I prefer the crunch all the way!
You’ll love how your house smells when they’re baking, the aroma lingers for days!
chopped figs
Just be sure to pulse your dried figs in a food processor to resemble the size of small peas, and be sure to cut off the hard tips before doing that. Of course you can always chop them up by hand, if you have the patience.
dough log
I like to measure the logs with a ruler, 9×2 inches is what you’re aiming for, but if you like a bigger biscotti size, go for it!
baked biscotti logs
Out of the oven and cooling down!
cut biscotti
Twice baked and ready for ( sampling first) boxing up!
boxed biscotti
There are so many pretty holiday or special occasion boxes, I’m always on the search for them and keep them stashed away.

fig and pistachio biscottiedible gift
These smaller containers I thought would be perfect for a neighbor gift this year ( ordered them on QVC) they can keep the container and reusable bag.
I’ll be making my deliveries soon so they can enjoy!

Happy Baking!

4.0 from 1 reviews
Fig and Pistachio Biscotti
 
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Ingredients
  • ½ cup dried figs like kalamata, measured after pulsed in food processor to the size of peas (remove tips of figs before pulsing as they are hard and inedible)
  • 2¼ cups of all purpose flour, unbleached
  • 1½ t. baking powder
  • ¼ t. salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 t. vanilla
  • 1 t. anise extract (NOTE: if using anise oil only use ¼ t. or a tiny bit more if you like it)
  • 1 t. anise seeds
  • 1t. grated orange zest
  • ½ cup shelled pistachios, unsalted
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350F
  2. With your mixer beat butter and sugar on medium high until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add eggs, extract or oil, zest and anise seeds, beat til light and creamy.
  4. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl and then incorporate into the butter mixture.
  5. Add figs and nuts on low speed til combined.
  6. Place all the finished dough from mixing bowl onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
  7. Form two 9x2 inch logs apart from each other and bake until lightly browned. Watch your oven, mine took less than 25 minutes.
  8. Remove pan from oven and let it cool for 20 minutes, otherwise they will crumble when cut.
  9. Using a serrated knife, take your time and slowly cut logs into ½ inch thick slices.
  10. Arrange biscotti on their sides on the baking sheet.
  11. Return to oven and bake until nicely golden, for around 5-6 minutes, then flip them over and do the other side, another 5-6 minutes or until it reaches the golden color you like. Ovens do vary.
  12. The longer the second bake the crispier they will be.
  13. Cool on rack.
  14. Makes somewhere around 40

 

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60 Comments Filed Under: Cookies, Featured, Winter Tagged: , , , ,