I know we all want stuff for Christmas - the new bit of tech, pretty jewellery, new PJs etc, but there is something really lovely about receiving a homemade gift. Especially if it's a sweet treat! Who doesn't love a tasty Christmas gift.
When we visit friends and family over the festive period, I like to take a little something that I've made at home. Whether it's mince pies, brownies or something like these melt in the mouth amaretti biscuits, I think it shows that you care.
Today I'm sharing a simple recipe for amaretti biscuits. They are a good one to make with the kids as they are super easy and there is a fun element of rolling the balls in the snow (icing sugar). If like me you love the flavour of almonds and marzipan then you're going to love these! Enjoy them with your mid-morning coffee or with a hot chocolate in the evenings.
These biscuits are naturally gluten free so are perfect for Coeliacs or those following a gluten free diet.
Ingredients:
190g ground almonds
150g icing sugar (a little extra for dusting)
2 large egg whites
1 tsp almond extract
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 160C Fan
Whisk the egg whites to thick, stiff peaks.
Sift the icing sugar over the egg whites, then add the ground almonds and the almond extract.
Fold the ingredients together (don't mix as you don't want to knock too much air out of the mixture) to form a sticky dough.
Sift a little icing sugar onto a small plate.
Take a heaped teaspoon of dough and roll into a ball. Roll the ball into the icing sugar so it's well coated. Place onto a lined baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the dough. This recipe makes approximately 14 biscuits.
Bake in the over for 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven and leave to cool on the tray for a couple of minutes.
Transfer to a cooling rack to allow to cool fully.
Store in an airtight container.
Gift idea:
Place the biscuits in a glass jar with an airtight lid. Add a hand written label and a pretty ribbon or Christmas string to turn into a thoughtful gift.