operation sunshine: february 14

and here we have roses from the husband
and lemon-pine nut biscotti for the office party


4 Tbsp butter
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp lemon juice

1. Heat oven to 375. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs (one at a time) and vanilla. Beat until well blended.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Slowly beat into creamed mixture until just incorporated. Stir in pine nuts.
3. Shape dough into two 2" wide logs (about 1" high) and place on baking sheet covered with parchment paper (or buttered and floured).
4. Bake about 30 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and let cool a bit.
5. Reduce oven to 250. Cut each log diagonally into 1" slices. Return slices to pan and bake another 15 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
6. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to desired consistency. Glaze one side of each slide and allow to harden before storing (this may take an hour or two).