Christmas Biscotti

A wonderful gift to take the hostess at your next Christmas event or to have in the house to eat with a cup of tea or glass of sweet sherry.

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup maize meal
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp coarse salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp finely grated lemon zest
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

1. Heat oven to 180 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk flour, maize meal, coconut, baking powder, and salt.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix eggs, sugar, oil, and zest on medium speed until well combined (this could be done by hand whisking to combine in a large bowl). Reduce speed, add flour mixture, and mix until just combined. Fold in cherries and pistachios.
3. Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet and pat into a small log. Bake until firm and golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and reduce oven to 160 degrees.
4. Once cool, transfer log to a cutting board and, using a serrated knife, cut diagonally into slices. Arrange slices on lined baking sheet and bake, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool completely.

These can be kept in an air tight container for 2 weeks.