Day 10 of “The 12 Days Of Christmas Music” & “Biscotti with Cranberries and Pistachios”

Good news from heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing: To us this day a child is given, To crown us with the joy of heaven. --Martin Luther

Welcome to Day 10 of “The 12 Days Of Christmas Music.” I hope that you enjoyed yesterday’s post, “Tu scendi dalle stelle.” Just to remind some of my readers that have just stopped by what I am doing, for the next 2 days I will post a Christmas song, and share a favorite holiday recipe that I think may go with that song, all leading up to “Christmas Day!” This has been an incredible year! I want to say thank you to my readers, as we prepare for the most joyous time of the year! (Don’t forget to come back tomorrow!)

Another one of my favorites is a carol called, "Away In A Manger." This sweet carol is a very popular arrangement in Britain and most other English-speaking countries. Christmas time is when it is sung the most. It is a story about when Jesus was born in the manger and what was going on around him on Christmas day. Away in a Manager is always the first carol that children are taught. This Christmas carol was first published in 1885. The publication of Away in a Manger was in a Lutheran Sunday school book and this created the misconception that the lyrics of Away in a Manger were actually written by Martin Luther. (Martin Luther was the great German reformer, who was born four hundred years ago)  The real author is unknown. The music to Away in a Manger was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895. Whoever is the true composer, there can be no doubt that this charming song is a favorite of children and adults alike.

Day 10: "Away In A Manger"

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Till morning is nigh.
 

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

Christmas is only a few days away and it’s time to finish your baking. I have a few more desserts and cookies to bake before the big day is here. So, Tis’ the season to be jolly and fill your tummy with some Biscotti! Biscotti are a dry cookie that is twice-baked and traditionally served with a glass of Vin Santo wine after dinner. These crunchy cookies that taste sweet and savory are also complemented by coffee, tea, or cappuccino. What a way to celebrate the Christmas season! Buon Natale everyone!

“Biscotti with Cranberries and Pistachios”

Ingredients:
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temp.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup dried sweet cranberries chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a heavy large baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer beat the sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the flour mixture with cinnamon and beat just until blended. Stir in the pistachios and dried cranberries. Form the dough into a 13-inch wide log on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden brown, about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes. Place the log on the cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on the baking sheet. Bake the Biscotti until they are pale golden about 15 minutes. Transfer the Biscotti to a rack and cool completely. You can also dip one end in melted chocolate and then dip in chopped pistachios. The Biscotti can be made ahead. Store them in an airtight container up to 4 days, or wrap them in foil and freeze in resealable plastic bags up to 3 weeks. 

Till Next Time………………………………........

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