Herb and Goat Cheese Biscotti

It isn't often that I see a recipe and want to try it immediately.  Usually, I will save or star it in my google reader, then come back to it weeks (or even months) later when I'm lacking inspiration.  I saw Giada make this savory biscotti on her show, and in 2 hours I had made it myself.  Pretty much anything with goat cheese or herb de provence will always catch my eye, and in combination with my newfound love for biscotti, I just had to make it right.then.

And it didn't disapoint.  It is crunchy, savory, and so flavorful.  The goat cheese definitely plays a supporting rather than a starrring role.  That belongs to the herbs de provence.  These made a wonderful addition to my holiday gift baskets this year; I figured it might be nice to have something savory to round out all the sweets. 


Savory Biscotti
from Giada de Laurentiis

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons herbes de Provence
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) goat cheese, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons sugar
  
• 2 eggs, beaten, at room temperature

Preheat the oven to 350, and position the rack in the middle position.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk together the flour, herbs de Provence, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the goat cheese and butter until smooth.  Beat in the eggs and sugar, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.  In 3 batches, add the flour and herb mixer, mixing until just combined.

Turn out dough onto the baking sheet.  Using damp hands, shape the dough into a 13 x 4 inch log.  Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. 

Cool on a baking sheet for 30 minutes.

Using a serrated knife, cut the log on the diagonal into 1/2-1 inch slices.  Transfer slices to the baking sheet, cut side down. 

Bake an additional 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.  Store in an airtight container.