Cherry Eggnog Biscotti

Eggnog flavor and dried cherries make these a festive, anytime treat.

Yield: 3 dozen biscotti

Cookies:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 tablespoons butter, softened
3 eggs
1 teaspoon rum extract
1 cup dried cherries, chopped

Glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line ungreased cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg in large bowl. Add butter; beat at low speed until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Increase speed to medium; add eggs and 1 teaspoon rum extract. Beat until well mixed. Stir in cherries by hand.

Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface; knead 10 to 15 times with lightly floured hands. Divide dough in half; roll each half into 14-inch log. Place logs 3 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet; flatten each log to about 2 inches wide. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until set. Cool 10 minutes on cooling rack covered with parchment paper.

Reduce oven temperature to 275 degrees F. Remove logs from parchment; cut into 3/4-inch diagonal slices. Lay slices onto same cookie sheet, cut-side down. Bake for 13 minutes. Turn over; continue baking an additional 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely.

Combine confectioners' sugar, 1/2 teaspoon rum extract and enough milk for desired consistency. Drizzle glaze over cooled biscotti..

TIP: Biscotti means twice-baked. It is the second baking that adds crunchiness to these great dippers and allows for long-term storage with little ill affect. Packaged with coupons or beans from a favorite coffeehouse, they make a great hostess gift or a nice care package for a far-from-home college student studying for exams.

Nutrition Facts (1 biscotti): Calories: 90, Fat: 2.5g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 110mg, Carbohydrates: 16g, Dietary Fiber: <1g, Protein: 2g