Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter -- cut into pieces
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, coarsley chopped -- roasted
Preparation
Step 1
Place the dried cherries in a microwave-safe bowl and add the orange
juice. Microwave for 1-2 minutes on high, or until plump and soft. Cool
to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 325. Lightly spray or grease 1 large baking sheet.
In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the butter and
sugar and process until blended. Add the egg whites and process until
smooth. Add flour, baking powder and salt and pulse until just
incorporated. Transfer to a bowl. Drain cherries and then add to the
flour mixture. Stir in the nuts until incorporated.
Divide the dough into three flattish logs about 12 inches long and 1 1/2
inches wide. Place the logs on the baking sheet about 2 1/2 inches apart
and bake for 25-30 minutes, until lightly browned. The logs will flatten
slightly as they bake. Carefully transfer logs to a cutting board and
cool for 10-15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 275.
With a sharp knife, cut the logs diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices.
Arrange the slices on the baking sheets and bake 15-25 minutes, or until
the cut surfaces dry out slightly. Cool on wire racks to room
temperature. Store in an airtight container.