Raspberry Almond Meringues

 

Ingredients:

3  egg whites 4  ounces blanched almonds (3/4 cup) 2  tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4  teaspoon almond extract 1/8  teaspoon salt 1/3  cup sugar 1/4  to 1/3 cup raspberry preserves or jam   Powdered sugar

Directions:

 Allow egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 300 degree F. Line 2 large cookie sheets with foil or parchment paper.

Meanwhile, place almonds and the 2 tablespoons sugar in a food processor. Cover and pulse until almonds are finely ground (you should have about 1-1/3 cups).

In a large mixing bowl, combine egg whites, almond extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed of an electric mixer until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold in almond mixture.

Spoon mixture into a decorating bag fitted with a small open star tip or a round tip with a large opening. Pipe into 1-1/2-inch circles 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets, building up the edges. If the tip gets clogged, use a toothpick to unclog. Bake on separate racks in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Turn off oven and let cookies dry in oven with door closed for 1 hour. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Just before serving, spoon about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the raspberry preserves into the center of each cookie. Sift powdered sugar lightly over filled cookies

 

Yields

36 cookies