I could not help myself- I just had to make these! It is 12:30pm on Christmas Eve and I have just been invited to spend Christmas lunch tomorrow with a friends family- who insisted I must spend my day with a family! I have also spent many Sunday's with this particular family and not only do I love their company but the Mother, Franca is a wonderful cook.
On my last visit these biscuits were presented with coffee. It is a traditional almond base biscuit originating from Siena, Tuscany and dating back to the 14th century. You will find these biscuits in every household throughout Tuscany at Christmas time. I thought it be fitting to make them and bring with me tomorrow.
However the traditional method takes almost two days to make, this is a more condensed version given the short notice I had. The result is delicious, a crispy crust with a gooey inner. Traditionally drunk with a sweet wine Vin Santo or Moscadello di Montalcino.
250 g of sweet almonds
300 g caster sugar
one tablespoon of honey
peel of one lemon
one egg white
icing sugar for dusting
how to make:
1: Finely blend the almonds in a food processor. Place in a large bowl, add the sugar.
2: Add the honey, grated lemon peel
3: Whisk the egg white and add to almond mixture
4: Roll out on a lightly sugared bench and use your hand to form a long log
5: Cut the log into roughly 2cm sections and place on a oven try lined with baking paper. The shapes should slightly be diamond shape, use your hands to mould
6: Place in a pre-heated 140 degrees oven for 15 minuets, taking care that the biscuits do not colour but retain a soft white colour
7: Remove and allow to cool. Once cooled sprinkle with icing sugar
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