Almond Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground sweet almonds
• 8 oz sugar
• 8 oz sifted flour
• 8 oz butter
• 8 egg yolks
• 8 drops almond extract
• Blanched almonds for garnish

Method

1. 1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter baking tins.
2. 2 Mix ground almonds, flour, and sugar in a bowl.
3. 3 Add almond extract and mix thoroughly.
4. 4 Create a well in the center and add egg yolks.
5. 5 Melt butter and add to the mixture; combine until a firm, stiff paste forms.
6. 6 Roll the dough repeatedly until it resembles a strip of cream-colored satin about ¼ inch thick.
7. 7 Cut the dough into small squares with a sharp knife.
8. 8 Pinch the edges of each square and place a split blanched almond in the center.
9. 9 Bake in the preheated oven until a fine pale yellow tint, approximately 15-20 minutes.