Low Sugar,Sugar-Free Chocolate Cherry Almond Biscotti

Low–sugar or Sugar–free is the latest health trend, given the health risks of all the sugar in the average diet.Responsible experts say to use artificial sweeteners sensibly and certainly natural sweeteners are better choices.
Some Common Sugar substitutes chart with Glycemic index(GI).

SUBSTITUTE	NATURE	Glycemic Index
Agave nectar	Natural	Low
Stevia	Natural	Low
Splenda	Artificial	Low
Sweet N Low	Artificial	Low
Nutrasweet	Artificial	Low
Pure Honey	Natural	Medium
Pure Maple Syrup	Natural	Medium
Brown Rice Syrup	Natural	Medium
Barley Malt	Natural	Medium

Substitutes with low GI is best for diabetics.Substitutes with medium GI when used in moderation are good for a low-suger diet.Adding fruits to your recipe is also a healthy way to substitute sugar.Stevia is considered best substitute for diabetics.

Biscotti,the toasty twice-baked biscuits with sugar substitutes are just the right start for a healthy low-sugar or sugar-free diet.
(Following recipe with honey\maple syrup\brown rice syrup\barley malt is low in sugar and with a natural\artificial sweetener is sugar-free)
Ingredients
3/4 cup Whole wheat flour
1/2 cup All-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder(Aluminum free)
1/4 cup pure honey or 1/2 cup agave nectar(also available in health stores) or 3/4 cup artificial sweetener(Splenda)
2 Organic eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/3 cup dried cherries or cranberries(unsweetened)
1/4 kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil.
Method
The method is same as the Biscotti recipe I posted earlier.
See Recipe

Make the dough
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift the flours,cocoa powder and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend then stir in the almonds and cherries\cranberries. Beat the eggs,sugar, Olive oil, and salt in a large bowl . Mix the flour mixture and egg mixture until blended.
Form the dough into wide log shape and place on the baking sheet.
Bake
Bake until light golden, about 40 minutes.
Cool and cut
Cool for at least 30 minutes on a rack.Place the log on the cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal into thick slices. Arrange the biscotti, cut side down, on the baking sheet.
Bake Again
Bake the biscotti until they are pale golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer the biscotti to a rack and cool completely. Enjoy this crunchy delight with tea ,coffee or milk

Enjoy this crunchy delight with tea ,coffee or milk. Gift them to some one health conscious and let them know about the sugar secret of the recipe.

Other Low-sugar wonders to try :

Fig Linzer Cookies	Blueberry Almond Banana Muffins
Fruit Dark Chocolate and Almond Granola Bars	Whole Wheat Biscuits with Apple Butter
Plum Clafoutis	Nutty Fruity Granola
Cherry Blueberry Scones

All of the above Low Sugar and Sugar free recipes are off to Sangeeth's Eat Healthy : Fight Diabetes Contest.