Besitos Picantes Recipe

• 3 1/2 cups whole blanched almonds
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar (for rolling)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cayenne powder

1. Preheat oven to 325u0b0F. Place almonds on a large sheet pan. Roast for 1/2 an hour, stirring once in between. Monitor to ensure the almonds don't burn. Remove almonds from oven and cool on a rack.
2. When almonds are cool, place them in a food processor and process until they're finely ground but it does not form a paste. Place 200 grams of sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the ground almonds and stir constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a food processor and grind into a smooth paste. Let it cool for a few minutes before rolling.
3. Combine 100 grams of sugar, cocoa, cayenne powder and salt in a bowl and mix well. Take the almond mixture and roll into small marble-sized balls with dampened hands. Roll in the sugar/cocoa mixture to coat. You may serve as is or in paper liners.

whole blanched almonds, sugar, water, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, cayenne powder

Taken from www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/12/picantes-besitos-cookies-recipe.html (may not work)