GREAT WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS MORNING COFFEE...

Chocolate and Nut Biscotti...
by James Martin
from James Martin's Christmas Feasts

James Martin's biscotti is a perfect foodie gift, studded with nuts, dark chocolate and cherries.

Servings: Makes 25
Level of difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Ingredient

125g plain flour = about 4 1/2 oz = about 1/2 cup
125g sugar = about 4 1/2 oz = about 1/2 cup
1 scant tsp Baking powder
1 egg, lightly beaten
25g dried cherries, chopped = about 1 oz
50g dark chocolate, chopped = about 2 oz
1/2 Star anise, crushed
35g shelled pistachio nuts = about 1 1/4 oz
25g whole blanched almonds = about 1 oz
25g shelled Hazelnuts = about 1 oz
1/2 lemon, zest only

Method-
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. = 285 degrees
2. Mix together the flour, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl.
3. Add half the beaten egg and mix well, then add half of what’s left and mix again. Add the last quarter a little bit at a time until the dough takes shape but isn't too wet (if the dough is dry add a little more egg). Finally add the cherries, chocolate, star anise, nuts and lemon zest and mix well.
4. Wet your hands and divide the dough into 6 pieces. Roll into sausage shapes about 3cm (1") in diameter and lay out on baking parchment on baking trays at least 6cm (2") apart.
5. Lightly flatten the top of the dough and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave for 10 minutes to cool and firm up.
6. Reduce the oven temperature to 140C/gas 1. = 285 degrees
7. With a serrated knife, cut the biscotti on an angle into 0.5cm (1/4") slices and return to the baking trays. Put back in the oven and cook for about 20 minutes, turning once, until they turn pale golden in colour.
8. Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks. Once completely cold, store the biscotti in airtight jars.

I DID THE CONVERSIONS FOR THIS RECIPE - GOOD LUCK!!!! Lily...