Amaretti are my go-to gift whenever I’m visiting or going to friends for dinner. Ring the changes with different nut and spice combinations.
INGREDIENTS
200 grams ground almonds (almond meal)
⅓ cup caster sugar
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground five spice
finely grated zest 1 lemon
¼ cup tart dried cherries, finely chopped
2 large eggs, size 7, whites only
1 teaspoon vanilla paste
To assemble
½ cup sliced almonds, finely chopped
icing sugar, for sprinkling
METHOD
Grease a flat baking tray and line with baking paper.
Preheat the oven to 160°C fan bake.
Put the ground almonds, caster sugar, spices and the lemon zest in a medium bowl. Using your fingertips, rub everything together to infuse with the oil from the lemon zest. Add the cherries and toss through the mixture so they’re all separated and coated in the ground almonds.
Whisk the egg whites and vanilla in a separate bowl until foamy. Tip onto the almond mixture and stir everything together to form a thick paste.
To assemble: Spread the almonds out on a large plate. Lightly wet the palms of your hands with cold water and roll tablespoons of dough into balls, gently squeezing to compact the mixture. Place on the bench and roll out under your fingers into 10cm lengths then roll each one to coat in the nuts.
Place on the baking tray about 3cm apart then sieve generously with icing sugar. Bake for 20-22 minutes until lightly golden. Cool then store in an airtight container for up to one week. Makes 18–20
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Issue #115
Issue 115 is packed with inspiration for all kinds of cosy meals – whether you’re dining alone, as two or with a few. We start with our Plating Game interview with Jesse Mulligan which inspired a medley of curries and sides then move on to a round up of easy one-pan chicken dishes, a variety of pasta bakes and meatballs, and using one simple yet delicious tart base we whip up five fab filling options. Sarah’s wintry faves include a moreish chorizo (not) carbonara, lamb and spinach filo pie and we finish off with sweet treats and decadent puds. We love seeing what you create, don’t forget to share your dish dishes with our Facebook community. When it comes to winter cooking, make it SIMPLY YUM!