Title: Fave Dolci
Categories: Cookies
Yield: 60 Cookies
1 c Almonds; unblanched
1 c Sugar
1/3 c Unsalted butter
1 Egg
2 ts Lemon zest; grated
1 ts Orange flower water
1/2 ts Ground cinnamon
1/2 c All-purpose flour; +2 tb
Chewy cookies from southern Italy that are served on All Souls'
Day. The custom stems from the ancient tradition of offering beans
to Pluto and Proserpina, god and goddess of the underworld in Roman
mythology.
Grind almonds finely in food processor using on/off pulses. Add
sugar and blend until powdery. Add butter which has been cut into
1/2" pieces, egg, lemon peel, orange flower water, and cinnamon;
process to a paste. Mix in flour just until incorporated, using
several on/off pulses--dough will be sticky. Transfer dough to a
bowl, cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour baking sheets. Roll rounded
teaspoons of dough into short thick cylinders. Arrange on prepared
sheets, spacing 2" apart. Using finger or the handle of a wooden
spoon, press indentation in side of each to form into lima bean
shape. Flatten slightly with hands.
Bake until cookies are just beginning to color, about 16 minutes.
Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes then transfer to racks and cool
completely. Store in airtight containers.
