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Dip Into A Healthy Holiday With The Taste Of Texas Oncology’s Holly Jolly Biscotti
Italian-Inspired, Twice-Baked Cookie With A Texas Twist Is Ideal For Gift-Giving
11/04/2009
Looking for creative ways to spread the cheer this holiday season? Texas Oncology has developed a tasty and simple holiday recipe for Holly Jolly Biscotti, which showcases the peak-season flavors of Texas citrus and pecans. Packed with healthy ingredients, this Italian-inspired, twice-baked cookie is a delicious and nutritious way to promote a good-for-you diet throughout the holidays not just for yourself, but everyone on your gift list.
“Nutrition plays a major role in promoting good health,” said Vasu Moparty, M.D., a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Methodist Charlton Cancer Center. “Holly Jolly Biscotti is a classic holiday treat that is rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and proteins.”
A recent study conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research found that one in three cancers may be preventable. A healthy lifestyle and nutritious diet can lower the risk of disease and are also important for overall well-being.
Holly Jolly Biscotti brings together the decadent flavors of citrus, nuts, and chocolate. Texas oranges, which are locally grown in the rich soil of the Rio Grande Valley, offer high quantities of Vitamins A and C, while the Texas pecans provide a nutty dose of healthful protein. The sweet, dark chocolate is made up of more than 60 percent cacao, and along with oranges and pecans, serves as an excellent source of antioxidants. Combined with the whole wheat flour, which contains calcium, iron, and fiber, and olive oil which is rich in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, Holly Jolly Biscotti is a healthy way to enjoy a classic holiday treat.
Whether having the whole family over or celebrating with a few friends and relatives, Holly Jolly Biscotti makes a great holiday gift and will spruce up any holiday spread. Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or after dinner with friends, family, and a mug of cider.
Holly Jolly Biscotti Recipe |
| Ingredients | Yields: 24 to 26 biscotti |
3 eggs
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour | 1/2 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, coursely chopped
1 cup dark chocolate chips |
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. |
In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, olive oil, orange juice, and vanilla until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together both flours, sugar, orange zest, baking powder, and salt. Add dry mix slowly to wet ingredients until mixture forms a ball. Turn out dough mixture onto a well-floured surface and knead a few times. Fold in pecans and chocolate chips in alternating batches until evenly distributed. |
Divide dough into two pieces. Form each piece into a log about 9 inches long, then press flat until it is about half an inch tall and 3 inches wide. Transfer logs to baking sheets and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire racks for 20 minutes. |
Using a serrated knife, slice each log on the diagonal into ½ inch pieces. Return to oven and bake on each side for about 10 minutes (approx. total of 20 minutes). Slices should be golden brown. Remove from oven to cool. |
To view a demonstration on how to make Holly Jolly Biscotti, click here; to download a festive, printable Holly Jolly Biscotti holiday recipe card, click here or visit www.TexasOncology.com and click the Holly Jolly Biscotti button.
Enjoy more healthy holiday meals with these quick nutritional tips:
- Substitute butter or lard with healthy oils such as olive, canola, and other vegetable oils.
- Add fiber, crunch, flavor, and “good fats” and a host of phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals with chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. “Good fats,” like those found in vegetable oils, can help the body regenerate cells and create hormones.
- Infuse salads with colorful, dark, leafy greens and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Dark, leafy greens are a good source of fiber and folate.
- Serve whole grain bread, which contains fiber, folic acid, and iron, with meals.
- Incorporate seasonal fruits, which are rich in vitamins and best consumed at their peak ripe times, into desserts.
Texas Oncology is looking out for Texans’ health, providing them with the top technologies and treatment options available.