Valentine's Day Biscotti

Surprise your sweetheart with breakfast in bad - his or her favorite coffee or tea, a bowl of fresh raspberries with a dollop of whipped cream, and a few of these easy-to-make biscotti. It's the perfect way to start a romantic day. And the leftovers stay nicely in an airtight container for the rest of the week.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 large eggs

3/4 cup almonds, coarsely chopped

2/3 cup dried cherries

1 cup white chocolate chips, for melting

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the flour and baking powder together in a bowl. In a second bowl, beat the sugar and butter together, then add the eggs and beat until blended well. Add the flour mixture and stir briskly with a wooden spoon until blended. Stir in the almonds and dried cherries.

Form the dough into two logs, about 3 inches wide and 6 inches long. Bake until just beginning to turn golden, about 40 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Using a serrated knife, cut each log into diagonal slices, about ½ inch thick. Arrange each slice cut side down on a baking sheet, and bake a second time until pale golden, about 15 minutes. Cool completely.

Carefully melt the white chocolate chips, and using a spoon, allow the chocolate to drizzle a pretty pattern on each biscotti.