recipe adapted from epicurious.com
makes about 36 small cookies
2 1/4 c blanched* whole almonds (about 12 oz)2/3 c sugar, divided
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
preheat oven to 350 degrees F. spray 2 baking sheets with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
in a food processor, pulse together the almonds and 1/3 cups of sugar until very fine. set aside.
using an electric mixer, beat together the egg whites and the salt until soft peaks form. slowly add the remaining 1/3 cups of sugar, and beat on high until stiff, shiny peaks form. be careful not to over beat.
gently fold the almond/sugar mixture into the egg whites. carefully add in the almond and vanilla extracts.
spray hands with cooking spray (this mixture is very sticky), and roll dough into 1 inch balls. flatten slightly.
bake 25 minutes, swapping the position of the baking sheets halfway through. let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
*note on blanching almonds: put almonds in a bowl, and cover entirely with boiling water. let stand for 1-2 minutes (do not over soak!). drain hot water. rinse almonds in cold water, and drain again completely. almonds should easily 'pop' out of the skin. dry completely before using in baking.









