Ingredients

500g Almonds (ground)

300g Caster Sugar

2oz Lemon Rind (grated)

1oz Cherries

2-3 drops of Almond Extract

3 Egg Whites (whisked until stiff)

Method

Mix the ground almonds and sugar to form a paste.

Add the egg whites and mix thoroughly.

Add the lemon rind and almond extract and mix again.

Form small balls with the paste (the size of a golf ball) and then flatten slight before placing on a baking tray lined with greaseproof  paper. Place the macaroons an inch apart.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes (until a light golden brown).

Allow to cool before removing from the tray.

Cooks Comments and Tips

The traditional italian macaroon recipe tops the macaroon with a red cherry after removing from the oven, however, I like to top mine with a whole almond 5 minutes before removing from the oven.