Italian Chocolate Almond Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

8 eggs, peratu
1/2 cups sugar
1 cup ground almonds*
1/2 of a 1 lb box of shortening, melted (approx 1-1/6 cup)
4 oz semi sweet bakers chocolate, chopped
1/2 lemon rind
4 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups all purpose flour
Small or mini cupcake liners**

Preparation

Step 1

Peheat oven to 350F.
Melt the shortening. When merrrrlted, add the chopped chocolate
and stir until the chocolate has melted.
Set aside and let the chocolate mixture cool.
Beat the eggs slightly, then add the sugar, almonds, lemon rind
and cooled chocolate and beat for about 5 minutes. Add the baking powder, blend and then
add the flour 1 cup at a time. Mix well.
Fill the paper cups about half way.
Bake the cookies for 18 till 20 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
If using the mini liners, reduce the cooking time.
Cool on rack. Sprinkle with icing sugar when cool.
*If you use roasted almonds, the flavour is intensified.
**I prefer to use the liners with the foil on the outside.