How To Make Martha Stewart's Circa: 1996 Pecan Cranberry Biscotti Receipt

My dear friends,

Might you pour some tea? This morning I thought I'd share with you a receipt I have been making since 1996.  {the word receipt was first used in the medieval 14th century in replace of recipe.}

I'm not sure if you are a fan of Martha Stewart, but I am most assuredly and have been since my late teens.

When I was first a homemaker at the age of 19 I had a subscription to Martha's magazine. I would also invest in Martha's line of goods and lifestyle home management with vigour. The little money that I would acquire from clients, whether sewing, decorating projects, organising, or my craft booth, I would set aside to purchase a Martha Stewart item. It's unfortunate that I no longer possess those things after my divorce, but I know I will have a whole collection again. There is no fretting here. {smile}

My mother was also quite generous at that time and would send me lovely little treasures to build up my kitchen sum. I had such beautiful copper cookie cutters, teapots, copper cookware, cake decorating kits, etcetera.  I had a wonderful collection. I always tried Martha Stewart's latest recipes, crafts, decorating and gardening ideas.

I never looked at her appeal as out of my league, even though at the time, my then-husband was making poverty level money. Moreover, she has the taste of beau monde, which appeals to me immensely.

She has the same belief as I. If you are going to pursue something actively, pursue it with zest! If you are going to make a craft, use the most superb of products to create it. If you are going to cook a recipe, use top-shelf ingredients. I have learned that this is a lovely way to look at things. When we put top products into a pursuit, the result will always be unparalleled.

When you think of it, it's actually a positive self-concept mindset approach. Think of it like this, If we believe that something is too expensive to buy, or can't afford to make a recipe because the ingredients are too costly, then one will reinforce that belief. The sheer fact that having that initial thought is the reason for the manifesting intangibility of shortage in one's life.

                   

Pecan Cranberry Biscotti 

{Martha Stewart, Circa 1996}

1 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2 Cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup dried cranberries
3 large eggs
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
zest of one lemon
DIRECTIONS: Heat oven to 350. Finely chop 1/2 of the pecans leaving the remaining ones in 1/2's, set aside. Combine the baking powder, flour, sugar, and salt. In a bowl, beat eggs, yolks, and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients mixing until sticky. Stir in pecans, cranberries and zest. Turn dough onto a well-floured board; sprinkle with flour and knead slightly. Shape into 9 x 3 1/2 logs. Bake for 25~30 minutes. Reduce oven 275. Cut diagonals into 1/2 inch slices, return upside down bake for 20 minutes. Turn over bake 20 minutes until slightly dry.

I then cut 6 pieces for each gift, placed them in clear cellophane bags and tied them with ribbon and tag. I give them out as gifts all year round, but mainly at Christmas. You could pair it with a box of tea or stuff them into an oversized coffee mug, depending on who you're giving it to.

Let me know if you decide to try this receipt. I will love hearing if you find them as delicious as I do.

Here's a pretty little painting to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. I am working on the larder/ pantry today, so away I go to put my painting attire on. I hope you are well, and please know you are in my thoughts this day and always.

I shall write again soon.

Most affably yours til my next swim, Raquelxxx