Chewy Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 2  egg whites 
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom 
• 1 tablespoon rosewater 
• 3.8 cups slivered almonds 
• 0.5 cup sugar 

Equipment

• food processor
• bowl
• baking sheet
• oven
• hand mixer
• aluminum foil

Directions

1. Process almonds in a food processor 9 minutes or until a paste forms, stopping to scrape down sides.
2. Beat egg whites at medium speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. Combine almond paste, sugar, and cardamom in a bowl, mixing with hands until blended.
4. Add egg whites; knead by hand until smooth and doughlike consistency.
5. Dip fingers in rose water, and shape dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon dough for each cookie). Slightly flatten with thumb, and pinch sides to form star- and diamond-shaped cookies.
6. Place cookies on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake on middle rack of oven at 325 for 15 to 20 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.
8. Remove cookies immediately to wire racks; cool.
9. * Rose water can be found in Middle-Eastern markets or in health food stores. Water may be substituted.