Cantucci (Italian Almond Cookies)

Ingredients:

2 cups+1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, sifted

3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon grated orange zest (or lemon zest)

1 teaspoon amaretto or ½ teaspoon almond extract

2 eggs

4.4 ounces raw, unpeeled almonds

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F).

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.

Add the eggs, honey, orange zest, amaretto and mix all the ingredients.

Once you have a crumbly, soft mixture, add the almonds.

Transfer the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it into 2 logs that are approximately 30 cm (12 inch) long, and 5 cm (2 inch) wide.

Place the logs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or with a silicone mat.

Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown.

Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Place a log on a cutting board and using a sharp, serrated knife, cut it diagonally into 1/2 inch slices.

Put the cookies back on the baking sheet and bake them for 10-15 minutes.

Remove the cantucci from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Store them in a sealed container for several weeks.