This may be more like what you have had. It isn't twice baked like the previous recipe and has a little less sugar and a little less flour making it less dense. One of the secrets of this kind of cookie is to chop the almonds..not to a powder or teeny pieces, but enough to release some of the nut oils which makes for a dough that is easier to mix. I'm not a big fan of almond extract, so I have cut back some, this recipe called for more...and you may like that really almond-ey taste, so add another teaspoon or two. Linda C Almond Slices 3/4 cup sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup brown sugar, packed 2 eggs -- beaten 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoons almond extract 3 cups almonds -- chopped 1/3 cup oil 2 teaspoons water 1 teaspoon cinnamon -- optional Mix all together, shape into flattened logs, brush top with beaten eggs (not those included in recipe). Bake 350 degrees for 19 - 25 min. (watch carefully). Cut while warm.

It has depended on where I lived. Not on any other factor and that is weird when I think of it. When we lived in Montana, it was Creamette. When we lived in Virginia, it was Barilla. When we lived in California, it was Lunardi Homemade. When we lived in Washington, it was Angelina's When we lived in New Mexico, it was DeCecco. Now, I buy Barilla and DeCecco most of the time, and I love Creamettes too. I have a friend who cannot eat wheat products and at her home, she uses rice and other grains that make the pasta. She gets one that is a mix from a local natural foods store that is delicious! It is buckwheat, and rice.. and soemthing else. The color is ugly, the flavor is delicious!

Here is a recipe that I have been meaning to try. Amaretti Cookies 2 egg whites 1 1/4 cups blanched whole almonds 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 cup slivered almonds Let the egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes in large mixing bowl. Meanwhile, line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or brown kraft paper. Set aside. In a food processor bowl or blender container process or blend whole almonds with 1/4 cup of the sugar till almonds are finely ground. Set aside. Add the cream of tartar and almond extract to the egg whites. Mix on medium speed till soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed till very stiff peaks form and sugar is almost dissolved. Fold in ground almonds. Drop meringue mixture by rounded teaspoons 1 1/2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Sprinkle a few slivered almonds over each cookie. Bake in a preheated 300 degrees oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or till cookies just begin to brown (centers will be soft). Turn off oven. Let cookies dry in oven with the door closed for 30 minutes. Peel cookies from paper. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. Makes 38-40 cookies

Tuna Causa Potato base: 3 large potatoes 1/3 cup olive oil ají amarillo powder salt and white pepper Boil, peel, and mash the potatoes. Add the olive oil a bit at a time, to taste and until it has a nice smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and the ají amarillo to taste - you could also use chopped or pureed fresh peppers - this is a mild yellow pepper (spicier than a bell pepper, but mild). Form it into the base of your presentation on a platter and chill in the refrigerator for ½-1 hour just to firm it up a bit. This dish is generally served cold or room temperature, though IÂve seen hot causas on a few menus. Tuna layer: 3 cans of tuna (I like to use the water packed) 1 small red onion, chopped mayonnaise salt and white pepper This is pretty much just a simple tuna salad. Mash the tuna, add the onions, and enough mayonnaise just to make it moist and hold together. Season to taste. Assembly: Potato base Tuna salad 1 tomato, seeded and diced 1 avocado, peeled and sliced 1 rocoto or other medium hot pepper 2 hard boiled eggs, sliced chopped black olives chopped parsley juice of 1 lemon You should have a nice, firm mashed potato base to build on. Layer the tuna salad on top of it. Top with chopped tomato and parsley. Lay a layer of avocado slices on top of that, sprinkle or brush with the lemon juice so they maintain their color. Then the hard boiled egg slices (you can hard boil your eggs along with your potatoes above, just donÂt leave them in the water the entire time) and the pepper rings. Scatter the chopped olives over the top of it. Set it on the table, ooh and ahh a little, dig in.