In French a ‘poche’ may refer to a piping bag, hence the name of these petits fours biscuits that are piped onto baking trays before being topped with either a cherry, almond or hazelnut.
Preheat the oven to moderate 180°C (350°F/Gas 4). Line two baking trays with baking paper. Sift the ground almonds and sugar twice and place in a bowl with one or the egg whites, the apricot jam, vanilla and almond essence. Stir together and add just enough of t