It’s funny how things change once you have kids.

Pre-kid’s, I use to make these elaborate cookie trays, create the cutest packaging, handmade gift tags, and pass them out to friends, neighbors, and coworkers throughout the holidays.

With kid’s, the thought of making those same cookie trays is utterly exhausting. With a 2-year-old and a 4-month-old, I need easy. I still have a love for baking and love the idea of handmade gifts, but this year, I’m keeping it simple.

When it comes to simple and easy, biscotti is one of my favorites. Mostly anyone can eat them with coffee or tea. Plus, all you have to do is put them in a cellophane bag, tie a cute ribbon around it, and you’re all set.

You can make them plain, or add in some fruit and nuts. My staple biscotti recipe is my Anise Almond Biscotti, but for a different flavor I changed up the recipe and added some dried cranberries and walnuts.

These were delicious, simple, and tasted perfect alongside my morning cup of coffee. Hopefully my friends and neighbors will enjoy them just the same

Cranberry Walnut Biscotti adapted from Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla; add the wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and stir until mixed through. Fold in walnuts and cranberries .

• Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Divide dough in half.  Lightly floured hands and shape each half into a 10-in. x 2-1/2-in. rectangle. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Carefully remove to wire racks and cool for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 1-in. slices. Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

This picture says it all…

This picture defines one of my favorite things to do…

This picture says exactly what I’ll be doing this weekend…

Me + a fresh cup o joe + homemade biscotti = relaxation!

Wanna join me? You. Me. Coffee. Biscotti. Relaxation.

It’ll be fun! Are you in?

I have no idea where or how I got this recipe, but gosh dang it I’m so glad I have it.

Anise is a classic flavor for biscotti. It’s one of those flavors that you either love or hate.

It has sort of a black licorice flavor. Lucky for me, I just happen to love black licorice.

Its good. Its delicious. To me… Its perfect.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 2 teaspoons anise extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. I used a silpat and that worked great.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Beat until creamy. Add in brandy, anise, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Slowly add in flour mixture. Gently stir in almonds.

Form dough into large ball and cut in half. Form two 2×13 inch logs on the cookie sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Let cool completely.

Reduce the oven temp to 300 degrees.

Slice the biscotti with a serrated knife at the diagonal about 1 inch thick.

Bake for 10 minutes, rotate once, then bake for another 10 minutes. Remove to cooling rack and enjoy!

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Question of the Day?

What’s your favorite way to relax? For me, I take advantage of any form of quiet time to relax If it involves coffee & biscotti, that’s even better!