Baci Di Dama (Almond Cookies)

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweet almonds
• 1 cup bitter almonds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups sugar
• 5 egg whites

Directions

1. 1

   Blanch and toast the almonds. Peel and chop them very finely or crush them in a mortar with 1/2 cup sugar.

2. 2

   Add the vanilla, beat egg whites till stiffened, then fold in the almonds.

3. 3

   Spoon the batter into a pastry bag fitted with a plain tip. Pipe 2 l/2-in. wide rounds about 1 1/2 apart on a buttered baking sheet and flatten them a bit.

4. 4

   Sift the confectioner's sugar over the tops and let stand at room temperature 1-2 hours.

5. 5

   Pre-heat the oven to 350ºF and bake for about 20 minutes

6. 6

   Remove from oven and cool. Amaretti may be kept in a sealed box for several days.