Brunsli (Swiss Brownies)

Christmas brownies with spices and cherry liqueur for added flavor.

• Ready In: 5 hrs 4 mins
• Yields: 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  pinch salt
• 1 1⁄3 cups  ground almonds
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  pinch ground cloves
• 2  tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2  tablespoons flour
• 2  egg whites
• 3 1⁄2 ounces  semisweet chocolate
• 2  teaspoons kirsch liqueur

Directions

1. Mix sugar, salt, almonds, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa powder and flour in a bowl.
2. Add egg white and stir until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Cut chocolate into small pieces, pour hot water over the chocolate, let rest for about 5 minutes, then pour off all water except about half a tablespoon, stir until smooth. Immediately add melted chocolate and the kirsch to the other ingredients, knead to a soft dough.
4. Roll out dough on a flat surface (it may be slightly covered with sugar), approximately 1/4" thick. Cut with a cookie cutter and put them on a baking sheet covered with parchment.
5. Let them rest for about 5 to 6 hours or overnight in a dry place.
6. Bake for about 4 to 6 minutes in the center of the pre-heated oven at 475°.
7. Let cool completely before serving.