Chewy Almond Cookies

I love anything almond flavored.  And if you've read my previous posts, I'm a sucker for a macaron.  While I've never attempted to make my own, these are a fast and easy substitute you can make at home.  All you need is a food processer.  These are great if you have a gluten allergy and they're also kosher for Passover.

2 1/2 cups almond meal (I found this at Trader Joe's) 
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
almond slices - optional

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper - this helps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy!

Pour your sugar into the food processer and pulse for a few seconds to make it a little more fine.  Add the almond meal and pulse until well mixed, but don't over do it. You don't want to end up with almond butter.  Add the egg whites, vanilla extract and almond extract, and mix until the dough is smooth. 

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto the parchment lined baking sheet.  If you want, add some almond slices on top and dust with some additional sugar.  Bake for 20-24 minutes.  Cool completely, and store in a air-tight container.

Yummy!