Almond Tea-cakes. Recipe

Almond tea-cakes are a delightful treat that have been enjoyed for centuries. These delicate and flavorful cakes originated in Europe and have since gained popularity worldwide. They are perfect for serving with tea or coffee, and their light almond flavor makes them a hit with both kids and adults. In this recipe, we will guide you in recreating these classic almond tea-cakes.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's explore some interesting facts about almond tea-cakes. The use of almonds in baking can be traced back to ancient times, with almonds being a common ingredient in many traditional recipes. Almond tea-cakes gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, when almonds were considered a luxury ingredient. These cakes were often served at afternoon tea gatherings, hence the name "tea-cakes."

Now, let's get down to business and prepare these delectable almond tea-cakes.

Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound (225g) of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 pound (113g) of fresh butter
- 1/2 pound (225g) of sugar
- 1/4 pound (113g) of sweet almonds, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- Ground almonds and white sugar for sprinkling

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour to remove any lumps. Set aside approximately 3 ounces (85g) of flour for rolling out the cakes later.

3. In a small saucepan, melt the fresh butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

4. Add half a pound (225g) of sugar to the melted butter and mix well until the sugar dissolves.

5. Add the finely chopped sweet almonds to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until the almonds are evenly distributed.

6. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and beat them lightly with a fork or whisk. Then, add the beaten eggs to the mixture and mix until all the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth batter.

7. Take the reserved 3 ounces (85g) of flour and sprinkle it over a clean surface. Place the dough onto the floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6mm).

8. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out individual cakes from the rolled dough. Place the cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.

9. Sprinkle a generous amount of ground almonds and white sugar over the top of each cake. This will add extra flavor and a nice crunch.

10. Place the baking sheet with the cakes into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cakes turn golden brown.

11. Once baked, remove the tea-cakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This will allow them to firm up slightly and develop a wonderful texture.

12. Serve the almond tea-cakes on a platter and enjoy them with your favorite hot beverage. They are best when enjoyed fresh from the oven, but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.

Now that you know how to make almond tea-cakes, why not try some other recipes that feature almonds? Almond biscotti, macarons, and almond cookies are all popular options that showcase the rich and nutty flavor of almonds. Adding almonds to your baked goods adds a delightful crunch and complexity to the overall taste.

Remember, baking is an art, and you can always experiment with different variations of this almond tea-cake recipe. Try adding a hint of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, almond tea-cakes are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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