-
1
Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
-
2
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
3
In a small saucepan, combine the dried cherries and kirsch, grappa, or rum.
-
4
Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat, cover, and let cool to room temperature.
-
5
Into a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
-
6
In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs, granulated sugar, and almond extract.
-
7
Gradually stir in the flour mixture, then add the cherries and their soaking liquid, the almonds, and the chocolate chips and mix just until the dough comes together.
-
8
On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough in half.
-
9
Using dampened hands, shape each half into a log 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter.
-
10
Set the logs lengthwise on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spacing them apart.
-
11
Dampen your hands and gently flatten the tops of the logs.
-
12
In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg.
-
13
Generously brush the logs with the egg wash, then give the logs a second coat.
-
14
Sprinkle each log with 1 tablespoon coarse-crystal sugar.
-
15
Bake, rotating the baking sheet midway through baking, until the logs feel firm to the touch, about 25 minutes.
-
16
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and decrease the oven temperature to 300F (150C).
-
17
Let the logs cool on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes.
-
18
Transfer the logs to a cutting board.
-
19
With a serrated bread knife, cut each log diagonally into slices 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) thick.
-
20
Place the cookies, cut sides up, in a single layer on the baking sheet.
-
21
(If necessary, use an additional baking sheet.)
-
22
Bake until firm, 20 to 30 minutes, flipping them midway through baking.
-
23
Let cool completely; theyll continue to firm up as they cool.
-
24
The biscotti will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
-
25
Add 1/3 cup (55 g) of cocoa nibs to the dough along with the almonds and chocolate chips.
-
26
Coarse-crystal sugar, such as turbinado, Demerara, or raw sugar, is available in well-stocked supermarkets, specialty stores, or online (see Resources, page 270).
-
27
If you cant find it, use regular granulated sugar, or simply omit the egg wash and sugar coating.
