Traditionally served at christmas time in Italy.

2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped blanched almonds
3/4 teaspoon almond extract


1. Add salt to egg whites and beat until frothy. 2. Add sugar gradualy, beating until mixture is stiff but not dry. 3. Add almonds and almond extract and fold in gently. 4. Drop almond mixture on buttered and floured baking sheet by the teaspoon, shape into small mounds, leaving room between each mound. 5. Let stand 2 hours. 6. Bake at 190 degrees celcius for 12 minutes or until they are delicately brown in colour.