Quaresimali (Lenten Almond Biscuits)

Ingredients

• 3 cups almonds 
• 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 3  eggs 
• 2 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 2 tablespoons milk 
• 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
• 1 cup sugar white

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• baking sheet
• oven
• skewers

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Toast almonds in jelly roll pan for 10 minutes.
3. Let cool. Grind finely 1/4 of the almonds, mix with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and set aside.
4. Grind coarsely the remaining 3/4 almonds and set aside. In a large bowl stir together flour, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and baking powder.
5. Add the butter and stir until all ingredients are combined.
6. Stir in coarsely ground almonds and the 2 of the eggs, then knead the dough in the bowl until all ingredients are combined. Divide dough in half.
7. Form each half into a rectangle 15 X 4 inches.
8. Transfer rectangles to baking sheets which have been buttered and floured.
9. Brush rectangles well with 1 egg combined with 2 tablespoons of milk.
10. Sprinkle with reserved almond/sugar mixture.
11. Bake them in the upper third of the oven (375 degrees F - 190 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and skewer comes out clean.
12. Cut rectangles crosswise into slices 3/4 inch thick.
13. Let stand 15 minutes in the turned-off oven.
14. Transfer to racks and let cool thoroughly. Store airtight.