1 1/4 c Blanched whole almonds Chocolate, chopped fairly
-(about 7 ounces) -fine
1 1/2 c Powdered sugar 1/4 ts (generous) almond extract
3 1/2 tb Unsweetened cocoa powder 2 lg Egg whites
2 1/2 ts Ground cinnamon 2 To 5 Tbl confectioners’
1/8 ts Ground cloves -sugar for rolling out
3 oz Bitterswet (not unsweetened) -cookies
-or swmisweet
Heat oven to 325F. Line several baking sheets with aluminum foil.
In a food processor, process the almonds and 1 cup powdered sugar
until the almonds are powder-fine but not oily; stop the processor
and scrape down the sides several times. Add the cocoa powder,
cinnamon, cloves, and chocolate; continue processing until the
chocolate is finely ground. Add the remaining 1/2 cup powdered
sugar, the almond extract, and egg whites; process until the mixture
is blended and just forms a mass. Set the dough aside for 5 to 10
minutes to stiffen slightly.
Generously dust a work surface with powdered sugar. If the dough
seems too soft to roll out easily, dust it with more sugar and knead
until the consistency is manageable, but avoid adding any more sugar
than absolutely necessary. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness,
lifting it with a spatula frequently and redusting the surface and
rolling pin with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Cut out the
cookies using a 2 1/4-inch heart-shaped (or similar) cutter. Use a
spatula to transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, about
1 inch apart.
Bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes or until almost firm on top and
slightly puffy. Let them stand on the foil lined baking sheets until
completely cooled. Peel from the foil. Store airtight for 3 to 4
days. Freeze, airtight, for longer storage.
Makes about forty 2 1/4-inch cookies.
[THE BALTIMORE SUN; November 25. 1990]
Yields
2 servings