Fave Dolci

1 c Almonds; unblanched

1 c Sugar

1/3 c Unsalted butter

1 Egg

2 ts Grated lemon peel

1 ts Orange flower water

1/2 ts Ground cinnamon

1/2 c All-purpose flour

Plus 2 tablespoons more Recipe by: Jo Merrill Chewy cookies from southern Italy that are served on All Souls' Day. The custom stems from the ancient tradition of offering beans to Pluto and Proserpina, god and goddess of the underworld in Roman mythology. Grind almonds finely in food processor using on/off pulses. Add sugar and blend until powdery. Add butter which has been cut into 1/2-inch pieces, egg, lemon peel, orange flower water and cinnamon; process to a paste. Mix in flour just until incorporated, using several on/off pulses--dough will be stickly. Transfer dough to abowl, cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour baking sheets. Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into short thick cylinders. Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Using finger or the handle of a wooden spoon, press indentation in side of each to form into lima bean shape. Flatten slightly with hands. Bake until cookies are just beginning to color, about 16 minutes. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes then transfer to racks and cool completely. Store in airtight containers.
-