Raw Almond Cookies - Dolci di Mandorle Crude

I love almonds...and why not...they do so much for us. They help nourish our bodies and add a crunch to all of our favorite foods.  And today, we have new reasons to enjoy almonds as experts have found that adding almonds to our diet, may be the prescription for physical wellness.

Also, raw almonds are gluten-free and safe for consumption by people with gluten sensitivities, or those with celiac disease.

Give these raw almond cookies a try.  They are quick and delicious.

Ingredients

3/4 lb. raw almonds with skin

1/4 lb. walnuts

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

Zest of one lemon  (for chewer cookies add 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper

Chop the almonds and walnuts.  You may use a blender or food processor.

Beat slightly the eggs with the sugar. 

Add the chopped almonds and walnuts, lemon zest and cinnamon and mix well.

Take a teaspoon full of the mixture or paste and shape into balls, the size of a walnut

Place the almond balls in the baking sheet

Bake for 15 minutes.

Cool completely before serving.

Store in a tight container.

If you prefer the cookies topped with blanched almonds, simply top each cookie with one blanched almond before baking.

Blanching almonds

Bring a small pot of water to a boil.

Place your raw almonds into the boiling water. 

Drain the almonds immediately and rinse them with cold water to cool them.

Blot the almonds dry with a paper towel.  

Use your fingers to gently squeeze the almonds and loosen the skin from them.