Last week I did something I hardly ever do.
I read. And not just 140 characters at a time. I read an actual book. From cover to cover.
I love to read, but somehow rarely take the time to sit down with a good book. The interweb pulls me in and sucks up all my time.
But while on vacation there’s always time for a good book. Last week I got caught up in the lives of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The book takes place just after the second World War. Told entirely through letters, it tells the story of a group of people who survived occupation by the Germans on the British island of Guernsey. The literary society is created in a moment of panic. To make the lie the truth, the characters start meeting regularly to discuss literature. In doing so they discover a love of reading that helps them get through those difficult years. Although the topic is a very heavy one, the book is lighthearted and easy to read. I was skeptical about the format, but found that the characters came alive through their letters to each other. How can you not love a group of people who insist there be pie when all there is to eat is potato?
I got completely lost in the book and finished it in a day. It reminded me why I love reading so much, and so I’ve made a promise to myself to not always let the interweb grab my attention. I will curl up with a coffee and a good book more often. And maybe nibble on a few Almond and Sour Cherry Biscotti while I’m at it.
Before I give you the recipe I need to write a disclaimer. Although the biscotti were delicious, some of them broke as I sliced them. I think my almond pieces were too big. My suggestion is to make sure there are no large chunks or use an electric knife to slice the cookies.
Almond and Sour Cherry Biscotti
Modified from Food and Wine
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried sour cherries
- Preheat the oven to 325 F
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl cream the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the almond extract. Add the dry ingredients then mix on low speed until well combined. With a wooden spoon stir in the almonds and sour cherries.
- Grease a baking sheet, then turn the dough out onto. Shape the dough into a log, about three inches wide 6 inches long. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden. Place the cookie sheet on a rack to cool for 5 minutes, then cut 1/2 to 1 inch thick slices with a serrated or electric knife. Bake the slices for 7 minutes on each side.
- Let cool completely before serving.
What She's Having 
I would be forced to dip these in chocolate. Cherries belong with chocolate. So do almonds. So it follows. Either way, these look delicious.
If I had any chocolate they would have been dipped!
These look so yummy! I have not curled up with a book in a long time. Looking forward to winter for that reason only. We have a wood fireplace I love to read by. These wonderful biscotti would be the perfect addition to a night of reading by the fire.
Love “Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society” – sweet, sad, romantic. A great weekend read for rainy days. Esp. if you have these biscotti – lovely!
You’re so right about how much time the computer takes up. Maybe it’s time to sit down with a good book and some of your fabulous biscotti.
Biscotti… yum! Love it.
It is so hard to just slow down and curl up with a good book, isn’t it? I have made a decision this year to spend more time reading. I found a great online food-related book club that I just joined that I am hoping with inspire me to stick with my goal. Right now I am reading “Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen” by Laurie Colwin and so far I am loving it.
I’ve heard that’s a wonderful book and we considered it for our bookclub last year. Your biscotti would have been a hit at my bookclub, that’s for sure!
I’m sad that you don’t get to read very often, but happy that your biscotti look so great!
It’s so true, the computer is where I do most of my reading these days. I need to make more time for reading like I used to.
Oh, what gorgeous biscotti! I love the addition of sour cherries….mmmmmm. I’ve decided not to check my ipad when I curl up under the covers, but to spend the time with a novel instead. Nothing better than a captivating book!
This biscotti looks amazing! And thanks for telling us about the book you just read… I’ve been looking for a new book! :D
It’s nice to see you have broke the grasp of the computer. I haven’t managed that one yet. Delicious recipe!
Lynn, these look great! Where did you get the sour cherries?
Thanks Jess! I got the cherries at Costco in the West Island.
I like your thinking here. I need to do a little book reading myself, nothing like getting lost in a good one. I bet smaller almonds would help with the slicing. I enjoy biscotti crumbs too, so I wouldn’t mind. Hope you have a great weekend.
-Gina-
The book sounds great and your biscotti are stunning! I’ve had broken pieces when I make them, too. I consider them “test” cookies!
I haven’t read a book in too long either…this sounds like a great one :) Love biscotti as well…perfect afternoon snack with a cup of coffee!
These look like the perfect coffee treat! Happy Baking!
Just mouthwatering…looks so easy to prepare and delicious.
I LOVED that book! I too read it in a day. I’ve been doing the same thing lately though, surfing the net and reading homework. Maybe I just need biscotti to keep my brain focused…