Sweet treats to make Mum's day - 9th MAY

Delicious Italian Amaretti

Give Mum an extra special Mother's Day with these delicious Italian delights

If there's one thing the Italians know, it's how to celebrate and give thanks with good food!  With Mother's Day nearly upon us, why not do the same for your mum, with these traditionally-Italian Amaretti - or almond flavoured biscuits for the uni-linguial.

This Amaretti recipe makes the perfect gift for Mum - it's thoughtful, heart-felt and made especially for her.  Better still, this gift gives Mum something to enjoy throughout the day.

Amaretti originated in Venice over 400 years ago. The Italian word "amaro" means 'bitter' so the literal translation of 'Amaretti' is 'the little ones', which describes how they were originally flavoured with almonds.

Over the year, these tasty Italian treats have been perfected, resulting in this scrumptuous, modern recipe.  With a crisp biscuity exterior and a slightly chewy centre, a few of these indulgent Amaretti makes a gift guaranteed to impress every mum!

Mother's Day isn't about money or extravagent gifts but is a time to thank our mums for everything they do for us and to show them how much we care.

Taking just 15 minutes to prepare, this recipe is perfect for those with a tendency to be 'surprised' by Mother's Day each year and forget gifts for their poor mums. By combining eggs with just five other ingredients, these Amaretti are quick and simple to prepare, and well worth the time in the kitchen. 

Say 'ti amo Mamm' with these delicious Amaretti - yes, that's Italian for 'I love you Mum!'

Amaretti

Serves: 5 or 20 biscuits
Cost per serve: $1.18
Preparation Time: 15 minn
Cooking Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:
125 g Ground almonds
1 cup Sugar
2 Egg whites
½ tsp Vanilla
2 drops Almond essence
20 Blanched almonds

Method:
1. Combine ground almonds, sugar, egg whites, vanilla and almond essence in a mixing bowl.
2. Beat mixture with electric whisk on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
3. Let mixture rest for 5 minutes while you prepare baking trays with non stick baking paper and pre heat oven to 180 C.
4. Spoon mixture into a piping bag with a 1 cm plain tube.
5. Pipe mixture onto the baking paper in a circular motion to form a biscuit.
6. Place one blanched almond on top of each biscuit and bake for about 12 - 15 minutes or until tops are lightly brown.
7. Remove from the oven, leave to cool for a few minutes before placing on a wire rack to cool.

Yum! Yum!