Almond Candies (Sardinia)

Desserts

Ingredients

Almonds - 1 1/4 pounds

Sugar - 2 1/4 cups

Grated rind of 2 lemons

Orange flower water- 1/3 cup

Confectioners sugar - 2 cups

Blanch the almonds in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain, cool and peel them. Chop or grind finely. Dissolve the sugar in a pan with about 1/2 cup water. As soon as it is completely dissolved, add the almonds, stirring well with a wooden spoon; then add the lemon rind, stirring all the while, and half the orange flower water. Cook gently until the mixture comes away from the sides of the pan. Cool slightly.

As soon as the mixture is cool enough to handle, turn it out on to a wooden board. Wet your fingers with the remaining orange flower water, break off pieces of the mixture and shape them into animals, flowers, figures, etc. Spread them out to dry or put them in a slow oven (325F) for a few minutes.

When the candies are quite dry, mix the confectioners sugar with enough boiling water to make a smooth paste of spreading consistancy. Dip the candies into it, drain well and leave in a warm place until dry.