County Fair Cherry Biscotti

A nice biscotti recipe for gift giving.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Yields: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 3  eggs
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1  cup sugar, divided
• 3  tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1  teaspoon  almond extract
• 3 2⁄3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1  cup dried cherries
• 1  cup  slivered almonds, toasted
• 1  cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1  tablespoon shortening, divided
• 2  teaspoons shortening, divided
• 4 (1 ounce)  white chocolate baking squares

Directions

1. Seperate one egg, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and 1 cup plus 2 tblspns sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs and reserved egg yolk. Beat in extract. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture.
2. Turn onto floured surface. Knead in cherries and almonds. Divide dough in half; shape each portion into a 12 inches X 3 inches rectangle. Transfer to a greased baking sheet. Beat reserved egg white; brush over dough. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 350 for 28-30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.
3. Transfer to cutting board; with a serrated knife, cut each rectangle diagonally into 18 slices. place cut side down on greased baking sheets. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once. Remove to wire racks to cool.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over both sides of cookies. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set.
5. Melt white chocolate and remaining shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over both sides of cookies. Place on waxed paper, let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.