Algerian Mchewek - My Traditional Family Recipe!

Ingredients

• 3 cups ground almonds or desiccated coconut (ground in food processor)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 small eggs (approx)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped sliced almonds (to roll onto) or desiccated coconut
• glace cherries, to decorate

Directions

1. 1

   Put ground almonds or coconut, baking powder, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and mix well (traditionally with your hand). Slowly incorporate the eggs until a firm paste has been achieved.

2. 2

   Make small balls from the dough - slightly larger than a malteser or olive. Roll each ball in the chopped flaked almonds or coconut and coat well.

3. 3

   Place the mchewek balls on a baking sheet which has been greased and lightly floured. Put 1/4 a glace cherry on the top in the centre of each mchewek.

4. 4

   Cook in a preheated oven at 170c for approximately 12 minutes or until almonds have turned a pale golden colour.

5. 5

   Allow to cool before placing in small bun/sweet cases (optional).