Chewy Almond Cookies (Macaroons)

Chewy yummy Christmas cookies! Bring these to your next Party!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 3 3⁄4 cups  slivered almonds
• 2  large  egg whites
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 24  slivered almonds

Directions

1. Process almonds in a food processor 9 minutes or until a paste forms, stopping to scrape down sides.
2. Beat egg whites at medium speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. Combine almond paste, sugar, cardamom and cinnamon in a bowl, mixing with hands until blended.
4. Add egg whites; knead by hand until smooth and doughlike consistency.
5. Wet fingers with water, and shape dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon dough for each cookie).
6. Slightly flatten with thumb.
7. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Top each with almond sliver pressed in lightly.
9. Bake on middle rack of oven at 325° for 15-20 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.
10. Remove cookies immediately to wire racks; cool.