Almond Butterwreaths
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Chocolate
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 40 wreaths
 

Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           butter -- softened
   1      cup           sugar
   1      teaspoon      lemon rind -- grated
   2      teaspoons     orange rind -- grated
   2      teaspoons     anise seeds -- crushed in mortar
     1/4  teaspoon      salt
   1 1/2  cups          ground almonds
   2 3/4  cups          all-purpose flour
   2                    egg yolks
   2      tablespoons   unsweetened cocoa
                        sliced almonds
                        candied cherries -- cut up
                        ***CHOCOLATE GLAZE***
   1      ounce         semi-sweet chocolate
   1      teaspoon      butter
 

Preparation:

1. Cream butter with sugar; beat in peels, anise seeds and salt. 2. Gradually beat in ground almonds, flour and egg yolks. 3. Divide dough in half; beat cocoa into one half. 4. Shape dough into narrow ropes; cut into 6-inch lengths and form into rings. 5. Decorate with sliced almonds and cherries. 6. Place on greased baking sheet; bake in preheated 375 F. oven 8 to 10 minutes, or until light golden on bottom. 7. Cool on wire racks. 8. Drizzle Chocolate Glaze over cookies. Let dry. Chocolate Glaze Melt chocolate with butter in saucepan, stirring over low heat. NOTE: To grind your own almonds, start with 6 ounces whole blanched almonds (about 1 1/4 cups). Grind half at a time, stop-and-go fashion, in electric blender.