I’ve never been that good at baking. I don’t like measuring everything so exact; the mess that flour and sugar leave all over the counter; and tending to the chaotic mess that took over the kitchen, as pots and ingredients are scattered all over. I am a cook at heart, but there is something so comforting and special about baking, especially with friends and family.

It requires patience, precision and can be time consuming, but that is what makes baking so rewarding. It feeds and nourishes our souls, and helps us celebrate and create memories with friends and family. With my sister and mom, we have been baking biscotti, a crunchy and crumbly cookie.

They are perfectly sweet with the white chocolate chips and dried blueberries, combined with tangy lemon to balance the flavors. I encourage you to bake some- thing with someone close to you, and share it with friends and family as a token of love and appreciation — you won’t regret it.

Instructions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2) In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

3) In a stand mixer, add sugar and butter and mix until fluffy. Add your eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest and mix to combine. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet in- gredients. When everything is combined, add the dried blueberries and white chocolate chips and mix to combine.

4) Transfer to the baking tray and form into two logs, flattening them to about an inch. Bake for 35 minutes and remove from the oven. Place the logs on a cutting board.

5) Using a knife, cut the logs into 3⁄4 inch slices on a diagonal. Arrange back on the baking tray and bake for 15 more minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
3⁄4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1⁄2 cup butter room temperature 1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2⁄3 cup dried blueberries
1 cup white chocolate chips