Quaresimali (Lenten Almond Biscuits)

Ingredients 

3 cups almonds 

1 cup white sugar 

2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 cup (packed) brown sugar 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoon baking powder 

3 tablespoons unsalted butter  

3 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 

Preparation 

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 

Toast almonds in jelly roll pan for 10 minutes. Let cool. Grind finely 1/4 of the almonds, mix with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and set aside.

 Grind coarsely the remaining 3/4 almonds and set aside. 

In a large bowl stir together flour, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and baking powder. Add the butter and stir until all ingredients are combined. 

Stir in coarsely ground almonds and the 2 of the eggs, then knead the dough in the bowl until all ingredients are combined. 

Divide dough in half. Form each half into a rectangle 15 X 4 inches. 

Transfer rectangles to baking sheets which have been buttered and floured. 

Brush rectangles well with 1 egg combined with 2 tablespoons of milk. 

Sprinkle with reserved almond/sugar mixture. 

Bake them in the upper third of the oven (375 degrees F - 190 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and skewer comes out clean. 

Cut rectangles crosswise into slices 3/4 inch thick. 

Let stand 15 minutes in the turned-off oven. 

Transfer to racks and let cool thoroughly. Store airtight. 

 

my notes: I originally found this on Allrecipe, but when I went to look for recipe could only find (same exact) on Epicurious.