Savoiardi (Lady Fingers)

Lady Fingers are cake-like strips (or "fingers") used as a base in many dessert recipes. They are easy to make and I think they are much better than the "store bought" kind. They are also yummy with a cup of coffee or tea.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 24 3inch Fingers (approx)

Ingredients

• 3  egg yolks
• 3⁄8 cup sugar
• 3⁄8 cup  pastry flour
• 1  dash salt (approx. 1/8 teaspoon)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3  egg whites
• 1  tablespoon confectioners' sugar
• 1⁄2 tablespoon granulated sugar
•  butter (to grease baking sheet)

Directions

1. Beat egg yolks and 3/8 cup sugar until yellow and foamy.
2. Add flour and salt, mix until smooth.
3. Add vanilla to egg yolk/flour mixture.
4. Beat egg whites until firm and fold into egg yolk mixture until thoroughly blended.
5. Butter a baking sheet (or line with parchment).
6. Drop batter by Tablespoonfuls on to baking sheet, shape into"fingers" 3 inches long.
7. Mix Confectioner's and granulated sugars together, sprinkle half the sugar mixture over the fingers.
8. Let the unbaked fingers stand for about 10 minutes.
9. Sprinkle fingers with remaining half of sugar and let stand for 5 minutes.
10. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until golden.
11. Remove from pan and cool on cake rack.