Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti in 10 Steps

The common misconception is that Bridesmaids was a groundbreaking film, because it was the first female-driven comedy of its time, and showed that women can be as funny as men. But, that is not the truth. Women are funny and they do not need a film to prove that. Bridesmaids was an important film because the premise of the film dealt with female relationships. It had nothing to do with women fighting over a guy, or seeking male attention, or investing all of their resources into exacting revenge on a guy, who has wronged them. 

In my opinion, unlike the recent plethora of the so-called "female comedies", such as Trainwreck, and The Other Woman; Bridesmaids is one of the few films that passes the Bechdel test, which examines whether a piece of fiction features at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. The film showed how important it is to have kind female relationships. There is so much focus and energy that go into acquiring a sustaining male relationship that often times we neglect to foster compassionate female relationships. 

But sadly, thanks to the pervasive nature of the reality television, 'The Real Housewives' franchise, women are shown to be snarky, and harboring ill feelings for one another. Women are shown to be threatened by each other's success and looks. They undermine each other's intelligence by defining themselves using the superfluous barometers of wealth and male companions. 

We feel that we have to measure our own achievements in the light of another woman's failures. And, undermine another woman's success by pointing out her flaws. "Stay at home moms" are deemed as lazy and uninspired, for their lack of ambitions. Their accomplishments are undermined because after all they have too much time on their hands. Whereas, "working moms" are chastised for choosing their career over raising a family. Their accomplishments are undermined for all the "support" they have in the form of daycare. But in reality, both of these choices that women make are laden with self doubt and sacrifices. 

Being a woman in the 21st century comes with hard choices. Ever since the female emancipation, the role of women has changed so drastically that women are going through an identity crisis. But, we shouldn't be in competition with one another. We should realize that instead of finding excuses for another woman's success we should celebrate them. 

My accomplishments are my own, they shouldn't be glorified by another woman's failures. Failures should not be welcomed with petulance, but compassion.

So after much adieu, here is a recipe for Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti, which is pretty straightforward. The addition of egg keeps the biscotti very moist. Hopefully you will make them for the amazing female friends in your life. I know I can't wait to make them again for my best friends.

Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti
Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti. Enjoy the video!
Posted by Cultivate Flavors on Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:
1/4 cup of olive oil
1/3 cup of granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of almond extract
1 cup of all purpose flour
Pinch of salt
3/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 cup of dried cranberries
1/2 cup of slivered pistachios

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Step 2: In a stand-mixer, mix olive oil and sugar until well-blended.

Step 3: Mix in egg, and blend until pale in color.

Step 4: Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.

Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add, dried cranberries and pistachios.

Step 6: Gradually stir the dry ingredients in the egg mixture. Mix until combined. Do not over-mix.

Step 7: With damp hands transfer the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Shape the dough into a  2x12 inch log.

Step 8: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, and bake for 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the baking sheet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 275 degrees.

Step 9: Slice log on the diagonal into 1/2 inch slices. Place slices on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 10: Rotate the baking sheet, and turn the cookies over. Put the sheet back in the oven, and bake for another 7-10 minutes, or until golden.