Cherry Rum Biscotti

Happy Vernal Equinox!  

It's the first day of Spring and after waking up to 20 degree temperatures last week, I'm ready to see the sun and have some warm Spring-like weather.

So what do I do to celebrate the first day of Spring?  My plans for today include moving my plants back outside (optimistic, I know), staining our new deck and stairs, baking cupcakes (of course), decorating Spring flower sugar cookies and firing up the Big Green Egg to grill something yummy for dinner tonight.  

Now that I see my to-do list written down - I'm feeling a little overwhelmed so I guess I better get started.  Just in case you choose to celebrate the first day of Spring a little more leisurely :) - I recommend baking a batch of these cherry rum biscotti and relaxing in the sun with a cup of tea a crunchy snack this afternoon.  

Cherry Rum Biscotti
1 and 1/4 cups dried tart red cherries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup spiced rum
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cups whole almonds

Place cherries and rum in saucepan.  Bring to a simmer.  Remove from heat and let sit 15 minutes.  

​Cream together butter and sugar.  

Beat in eggs. 

Combine dry ingredients and add to batter slowly.

Gently mix in drained cherries (reserving liquid) and almonds. 

Divide dough in half.  Shape each half into a 3 inch wide loaf and place on silpat lined baking sheet. 

Bake 20-25 minutes at 350.

Slice into 1/2 inch diagonal bars.  Place back on baking sheet.  Reduce oven temperature to 300.  Bake 10 minutes longer on each side.  

Enjoy.  If you like, you can combine the reserved cherry liquid and a little bit of powdered sugar to make a sweet glaze to drizzle over your biscotti.  I decided not to glaze mine because I was storing them for a little while before I serve them but I am definitely going to make another batch that I can glaze.  

So how are you celebrating the arrival of Spring?  Are you spending time outside or protecting yourself from the pollen and allergens that inevitably accompany this beautiful time of year?

Have a great week.  Ciao!

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