Biscotti, dunked into a steaming cup of coffee or cocoa are wonderful this time of year. Here's a very easy recipe to create your own (and bypass those expensive biscotti sold at the coffee shops).
Basic Biscotti
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3-1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine flour and baking soda, mix well and set aside. In a medium bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, sugar and vanilla until well blended. Stir in flour mixture to make a heavy dough. Divide dough into two pieces. Form each piece into a roll as long as your cookie sheet and approx 1/2 inch thick. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on a wire rack. When cookie rolls are cool enough to handle, slice on a diagonal into 1/2 inch slices. (An electric knife works very well for this) Lay slices onto cookies sheets and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes on each side. Cool on wire rack and then store in air-container for up to 2 weeks. You can decoration the biscotti by drizzling with white or dark chocolate.
Yield: 3 dozen
May also freeze in zip-lock bags for 3 months.
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Well, the tree is up and decorated -- but, not without some drama along the way.
What our carpet looked like after we put the grapevine garland on the tree - - - - (Note to Self: Do not under any circumstances every use this type of garland again -- no matter how much Hubby whines because he likes it !!)
After the lights, garland and all the ornaments were on -- the tree decided to fall face forward. Luckily, I was standing in front of it and caught it before it nose-dived into the freshly vacuumed carpet. Hubby used amazing 'high-tech' skills to keep tree upright for the duration of the holidays. (Another Note to Self: next year, remember to replace the now broken tree stand -- also, after the holidays, remind Hubby to repair hole in wall. )
Our oldest cat, Muffin (along with Santa & a reindeer) -- quietly enjoying the beauty of our Christmas Tree -- and it is beautiful, despite all the drama. Because all Christmas trees are a symbol of the Love, Peace and Joy of Christmas and that's a blessing for us all. Even if your tree is tied to the wall ! 
