Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti

>> Wednesday, January 25, 2012


The first few weeks at a new work place is always awkward.

If you've never felt this way then you are probably less socially awkward than I am. Any tips appreciated!

I am terrible at chit-chats especially in the elevator or other confined spaces (e.g. bathroom). I never know what to say after that nice-to-meet-you handshake (I'm proud of my firm-not-sloppy handshake but not the subsequent awkwardness that follows). And I am embarrassed to admit that many colleagues are still addressed as "...hey!", where the "..." refers to the moment of silence where I frantically try to recall their names.


But besides these rather gawky experiences, I have every reason to feel thankful...for the job, the colleagues, for the opportunities to learn, to grow and to break (myself, hopefully not things/computers/people), to be of influence (however big or small!) and to able to support myself financially. And obviously for the people who support and pray for me!


On a different note, I made this rather exotic yet comforting Blueberry-Cardamom Mexican Atole (pictured above!) from McCormick's Flavor Forecast on Chinese New Year's Eve (we really lack tradition in my family). Atole is a warm sweet masa drink from Mexico traditionally served at breakfast - why haven't I discovered you earlier?


Aaaaannnd, yesterday these deliciously crunchy (and festively looking!) biscottis were made in a rush after work and just before dinner and the summer sunset. They were accompanied by a mug of Mother's rather strange but healthy concoction of red bean, mung bean and barley drink...not coffee!

I did mention we're not a traditional bunch, right?


Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti
Donna Hay Magazine Dec 2012
Makes 80
  • 2 cups plain flour, sifted 
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder sifted 
  • 3/4 cup caster sugar 
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten 
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract 
  • 1 tbsp finely grated orange rind
  • 1 cup sweetened, dried cranberries 
  • 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios  
1. Preheat oven to 160deg. Place flour, baking powder and sugar into a bowl and mis to combine.


2. Add eggs, vanilla, orange rind (I used Lemon), cranberries and pistachios and mix until you form a dough


3. Turn the dough out onto a table and with some flour, knead until smooth.

4. Form into two logs and flatten slightly. Bake in oven on two lined baking trays for 30-35 minutes or until firm cool completely.

5. When cooled use a serated knife to cut thin slices and place them back on baking trays. bake for a further 8-10 minutes until crisp. cool on trays.


73 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart January 25, 2012 at 11:33 PM  

Oh, if only I hadn't eaten all of the pistachios that were here at Christmas! They are my weakness and this recipe sounds wonderful! Looks pretty too. I can't wait to try it.

I have missed you! I have noticed my Google Reader doesn't always send me current posts and then, days later I will get a bunch!???

So nice stopping by! Hope all is well :)

Katie January 25, 2012 at 11:44 PM  

These look really wonderful--can't go wrong with Biscotti!

Maureen January 25, 2012 at 11:56 PM  

I've made pistachio biscotti lots of time but the addition of dried cranberries sounds brilliant!

Unknown January 26, 2012 at 12:20 AM  

I felt many times like that, not only at work. I am terrible at chitty chatting, too. I am also a little shy, so I am very bad at braking the ice, and I never know what to say after some line exchange. Ehm :)
I love your festive-looking biscotti, and I am very intrigued by your beverage!

Asha @ FSK January 26, 2012 at 2:22 AM  

Congrats on your new job and good luck. teething pains make good anecdotes later :))
And! stunning biscotti!! Love how nicely the nuts and fruits have been sliced!

Penny Wolf,  January 26, 2012 at 7:17 AM  

Those cookies look like works of art!

OohLookBel January 26, 2012 at 10:13 AM  

One way to make friends and influence people would be to turn up to work with a plate of these biscotti - they look very moreish and delectable!

sweetsugarbean January 26, 2012 at 1:51 PM  

Your biscotti look perfectly dunkable! I've never tried atole - looks delicious.

Aizi January 26, 2012 at 10:45 PM  

totally agree with OohLookBel... the biscotti look scrumptious... have not tried atole yet, but my sis-in-law lives in Mexico so maybe i should. as always, Viv, love your pics!

Jeannie January 28, 2012 at 3:13 AM  

Very festive looking biscotti, and the atole is not something we drink here although I would love to try it!

Ben @Focus:Snap:Eat January 28, 2012 at 8:05 AM  

I also thought the same thing as OLB ... take a box of these biscotti to your new workplace and you'll have tons of friends! ;-) I've luckily worked at the same place for a few years now, but we always have new people. I smile at them but sometimes they don't even bother to look at me. I don't talk to a stranger unless he/she makes the first move. So don't be afraid to smile at your new co-workers, and then introduce yourself when you have a chance, like in the break room, cafeteria or waiting by the elevators. Don't be afraid to make the first move because that other person is probably wondering about you too, and is also socially awkward. :)

Yi @ Yi Reservation January 28, 2012 at 3:16 PM  

I wish I can take a bite on those biscottis! They look so delicious!!
I concur with everyone on bring some of your baking goods to work, it's such a quick way to make friends at work :)

JasmyneTea January 29, 2012 at 11:16 AM  

Those biscotti look so lovely - and cranberry is one of my favourite things in the world. I'll have to give this a try :)

Nami | Just One Cookbook January 29, 2012 at 5:22 PM  

I'm kind of same way so I can't give any good advice to you. You are very nice person, and your effort to try to adjust in the new environment will show and they will understand. :-) Just don't forget to smile! I never had biscotti with these ingredients (usually chocolate and stuff) but this sounds a lot healthier and looks so good! I wish I can bake so I can bring these to work and get to know new coworkers better over coffee. :-) Speaking of baking, I baked your pineapple cake, and the post will be up on Monday! Thank you for the recipe Viv!! It was delicious!

Xinmei @ Pudding Pie Lane January 30, 2012 at 1:10 AM  

Haha, I think my family are the same. My mum loves to make mung bean barley and kidney bean porridge, but I"ve not yet tried the Mexican drink (although I have seen it round). These are some really lovely photos and my gosh I am hungry now... :)

Cheah January 30, 2012 at 6:58 PM  

I popped over from Jeannie's blog .... was attracted by your pictures of the Biscotti. Will be extremely delicious to go with a steaming cup of black coffee.

Erika Beth, the Messy Chef February 1, 2012 at 9:28 AM  

These biscotti definitely DO look festive. I keep meaning to make biscotti and this reminded me to do it. Thanks!

Joyti February 1, 2012 at 10:18 AM  

I am a totally "awkward" person too, and have so much trouble with small talk. I admire those who are skilled in it.
The biscotti looks delicious - love how full of tart cranberry and delicate pistachio you made it.

sugarpuffi February 1, 2012 at 5:27 PM  

wow your biscotti looks fab!! do you know the secret to thin biscotti is to slice it with a meat slicer :o

Lori February 6, 2012 at 5:36 AM  

I can relate to your new job experience. I just started a new one in November. I always have a hard time reading people at first and deciding how much I should be me. Ha, ha! Don't want to scare them off too soon. ;) I love all the reasons you mentioned for being thankful. Sometimes I forget to look at it that way. Your biscotti is gorgeous!

Patti October 5, 2012 at 7:14 AM  

I made your biscotti today and found that 1.5 tsp of baking powder is just way too much. They taste a little funny. Next time I will add more sugar and less baking powder. Easy recipe and they look pretty.

Thanks!

Sandy,  December 14, 2012 at 8:49 PM  

I made these today. I followed Patti's suggestion to add less baking powder. They came out perfectly. Next time though, I will add less cranberries, as they were very sweet.

Yhp January 6, 2013 at 9:14 PM  

These look great! I love biscotti, but I've never made it before. Looking forward to trying these :)

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Hi, thanks for the wonderful recipe. Is 160 degrees fan forced?

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I came here through Jeannie's blog since your photographs of the Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti caught my attention. Will taste absolutely fantastic with a hot cup of black coffee. Sonia Pandey

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