The Almond, a healthy nut!

Do you like almonds?  We know how healthy they are as snacks or added 
to salads and veggie dishes, but sometimes isn't it nice to bake them in a cake 
or cookie, and add a little buttery sweetness to an afternoon cup of tea or coffee.

These are SO good but I usually only bake them at Christmas, or for special 

occasions because, I confess here, I eat far too many of them!

First time baking these may seem a little weird - the spreading and patting with 

your nice scrubbed clean hands. It's really an easy recipe though so give them a try.

ALMOND BAR COOKIES

8 oz. salted butter                                

1 cup granulated sugar                Cream together well in electric mixer

1 egg yolk (save the white)        

Add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 3 teaspoons of pure almond extract. Mix gently until dough forms. Divide into two and spread/pat out very thinly with hands to completely cover two very lightly buttered 15" X 10" cookie sheets with rims. Spread roughly at this point - it will smooth out later. Lightly beat the egg white, divide in half over each cookie sheet and spread over the dough with hands (this will smooth it out!).  

Sprinkle generously with sliced almonds.  

Bake at 250F (very slow) for approx. 30-40 mins. (I find darker pans seem to take less time than shiny ones) or until lightly browned - watch carefully toward end of baking time, cookies should not be over-baked or dark.

Slice while hot, cool about 10 mins. then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight tin - they freeze well too.

Makes about 4 doz. delicious cookies.