Cherry Chocolate Biscotti with Walnuts

I started this blog mainly to record our progress on Villa Pura Vida, but for right now there isn't any progress.  At least nothing we can do, so I think we should make Biscotti. Not just any biscotti but my absolute favorite. It reminds me so much of Christmas, that I make it year round. Here it is:

Preheat oven to 350

In a large bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid) add following ingredients:

8 Tbl. unsalted butter, room temp.

1 cup sugar

zest of 1 orange

Beat until well combined

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

Beat in eggs one @ a time, then add vanilla

In a seperate bowl whisk:

2 cups plus 3 Tbl. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

With a wooden spoon gradually work into butter mixture. Then work in these remaining ingredients:

3 1/2 oz. bittersweet chocolate pieces

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1 1/2 cup dried cherries

Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface form into 2- 10"x 2" logs. Place on ungreased sheet. ( I use a silpat) Place into top third of oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. With a serrated knife cut into 1/2" slices, place back on sheet on their sides and bake additional 8 minutes. Delicious with a cup of cocoa whether you're a dunker or not!