Almond Spumini

Certainly!

Almond Spumini

Ingredients:

• 200 g peeled almonds
• 200 g powdered sugar
• 2 egg whites
• The grated zest of 1 lemon (untreated)
• Granulated sugar (as needed to roll the spumini)
• A few drops of bitter almond extract (optional, to intensify the flavor)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 160 °C.
2. Finely chop the almonds in a food processor or chopper until you obtain a flour.
3. In a large bowl, pour the almond flour, powdered sugar, and the grated lemon zest, mixing the dry ingredients well.
4. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks and, if desired, add a few drops of bitter almond extract for a more intense flavor.
5. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the dry ingredients, trying to keep the mixture as airy as possible.
6. Using two teaspoons, create small quenelles of dough and roll them in granulated sugar, so that they are completely coated.
7. Arrange the spumini on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each one.
8. Bake and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the spumini are golden and slightly crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.

Almond spumini are a typical dessert from many Italian regions, appreciated for their soft texture and the marked presence of almonds. Once prepared, they can be stored in airtight containers to maintain their freshness.

Curiosities

Spumini can be considered a variant of the more famous amaretti, with a slightly softer texture and a less defined shape. In some variants, a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom is added to the recipe for a spicy touch.