These are my favourite type of macaroons, wonderfully old fashioned in comparison to the fancy ones available now. They are so easy to make and deliciously almondy with just the right amount of chewiness.
They are perfect for using up any egg whites you may have lurking in the fridge. If you have a food processor then it takes just a few minutes, and even if you haven’t it is not much more work.
They are best made on rice paper but my girls like rice paper so much they eat it before I have chance to use it. If you don’t have rice paper then a silicone lining sheet works really well, but they also don’t stick too much to a non-stick tray as long as you lift them within a minute or two of them coming out of the oven, but be warned they are very fragile at that point.
The only problem with these is that they are completely irresistible and no good for the New Year diet.
Makes 15-18 biscuits
200g ground almonds
200g granulated sugar
40g icing sugar
3 egg whites
flaked almonds
Method
Preheat the oven to 180ºc, gas mark 4.
If you have a food processor place the almonds, sugar and icing sugar in the bowl of the processor and whizz for a few seconds. Add the egg whites and whizz until combined.
If you don’t have a food processor them place all of the ingredients into a large bowl and beat with a wooden spoon or an electric whisk until well combined.
Line a tray with silicone paper or rice paper and place dessertspoonfuls of the mixture onto the tray. Place a flaked almond on top of each one.
Place in the preheated oven or on the middle shelf of the baking oven of the Aga for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned all over. Leave to cool on the tray for a few minutes and then place onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Hi Kath–what could be better than a recipe like this–just 5 ingredients transform into this delectable bites. Indeed, making the new year “diet” (I like to think of it as Moderating) a bit tricky.
Ha, I like the idea of moderating very much. That sounds so much more appealing.
What New Year diet? Oh yes, I remember – but doesn’t it include cookies?
Ha ha, if it doesn’t Caroline then it should.
Oh Kath, I love macaroons and I do agree, these are the best, although I, err, haven’t actually tried any of the fancy ones! AND you’ve reminded me I have two egg whites in the fridge that need using up. Think I know what I shall be making tomorrow
There you go again with the almonds – you know I love almonds. These are my favourite biscuits especially if they are all squidgy inside. Diets don’t start til the weather warms up – at least not til Easter after all the chocolate’s gone.
Ha ha, thank you for yet another excellent reason to keep stuffing my face. x