Holiday - This is a holiday favorite
We decorate our cookie tree with these. They actually are delicious, except for the candied cherries, but they usually go straight to the tree.
Almond Spritz Cookies
Almond Spritz Cookies (from Ladies Home Journal 12/84)
(Recipe from Four Seasons Olympic in Seattle, WA)
1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp butter softened (room temperature)
1/2 cup almond paste (just Cuisinart a 10 oz pack of almonds)
1/2 cup confectioner's powdered sugar
2 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
1-3/4 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp salt
Cream butter with almond paste, add sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
Slowly add egg whites and beat thoroughly.
Add vanilla and beat until well mixed.
Fold in flour and salt.
Put dough in a cookie press and squirt through the flat "radial lines" plate, usually two clicks at a time, letting it ooze through onto a greased cookie sheet.
NOTE: Use plastic cookie press with star flat pattern (not the nozzle).
Put a half a candied cherry in the middle of each cookie, make a small hole for hanging and bake at 400¡ for 8 to 10 minutes.