COFFEE AND ALMOND SQUARES (PASTICCINI ALLA MANDORLA E CAFFE’)

A classic recipe from Italian tradition.

Yields 3/4 kg (1 and 1/2 lbs) of cookies.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb and 2 ounces (500 grams, this is slightly more than 2 cups) sugar
• 1 lb and 2 ounces (500 grams) almonds
• Fine bread crumbs
• 5 egg whites beaten until stiff
• 5 teaspoons of ground espresso coffee
• Powdered sugar, the kind that doesn’t include starch (optional)

METHOD

Peel and crush the almonds. 

Mix sugar with 3 tablespoons of water, crushed almonds, ground coffee and egg whites. 

Grease a rectangular pan and cover with the fine bread crumbs. 

Pour mixture into pan and bake at 300° F for about 40 minutes. 

Remove from oven and let cool. 

Cut in small square pieces, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.