Amaretti (Almond Macaroons)
- 1 1/4 pounds almond paste
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
- 1 cup egg whites (about seven)
- Parchment paper
- Using electric mixer, beat 1 1/4 pounds almond paste with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. Then add 2 1/4 cups confectioners sugar and continue beating until batter is very smooth. The time this takes will depend on the type of mixer you are using. I always use a Recipeaid and this step takes about 8 minutes.
- Add 1 cup egg whites and continue beating until dough is smooth.
- Scoop dough into three small bowls. Cover. Place dough bowls in freezer overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Using a 1" mini scoop, scoop out small balls of the frozen dough and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Do not use waxed paper. Do not use foil. Do not use a brown paper bag. Do not grease the tray. Do not grease the parchment paper. I have tried all of these methods and, trust me, they do not work. Plain parchment paper works.
- If you wish and have the money, you can also top each cookie with pignoli nuts prior to baking. But be forewarned pignoli nuts are more expensive than shrimp.
- Bake in 325 degree oven for 16 minutes.
- Remove tray from oven and slide paper with cookies still attached onto cooling rack. After 5 minutes, slide another cool cookie sheet under parchment paper and baked cookies and place tray, paper and cookies in freezer for 10 minutes. Then (and only then) carefully remove baked cookies.
- Store in air-tight can or in freezer. Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving.
- They are wonderful alone, but for a special treat, use them to make ice cream sandwiches. You can use any flavor you wish, but my Mom's favorite is Amaretto.
- Note from T: You may not be able to find unsweetened almond paste. If you use marzipan, reduce sugar by 3/4 and add 2 more packages of marzipan until correct consistancy.
almond paste, sugar, confectioners sugar, egg whites, paper
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/amaretti-almond-macaroons-1209014 (may not work)