Algerian Mchewek - My Traditional Family Recipe!

Um Safia's Note:

Mchewek are small balls of mainly almond filling which are moist and slightly chewy on the inside while crisp on the outside. Simple to make but incredibly delicious...

• Total Time: 27 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 30 small b ...

• 3 cups ground almonds (ground in food processor) or 3 cups desiccated coconut (ground in food processor)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 small eggs (approx)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup choppedsliced almonds (to roll onto) or ½ cup desiccated coconut
• glace cherries , to decorate

Directions:

1. Put ground almonds or coconut, baking powder, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and mix well (traditionally with your hand). Slowly incorporate the eggs until a firm paste has been achieved.
2. Make small balls from the dough - slightly larger than a malteser or olive. Roll each ball in the chopped flaked almonds or coconut and coat well.
3. Place the mchewek balls on a baking sheet which has been greased and lightly floured. Put 1/4 a glace cherry on the top in the centre of each mchewek.
4. Cook in a preheated oven at 170c for approximately 12 minutes or until almonds have turned a pale golden colour.
5. Allow to cool before placing in small bun/sweet cases (optional).

Reviews

[Coasty]

I have just made these for tonight's NYE party. Followed the recipe exactly except I only had shredded coconut and left off the cherry. Very moreish. I have made the Mchewek for Let's P-A-R-T-Y! December Cooking Event 2009

[Perfectionist cook]

I made this with my son and we rolled all the balls in almonds but they spread out in the oven and basically became almond macaroons. It may have been my fault though as I used white roasted almonds as I couldn't find raw almonds. It still tasted delicious though!