Almond petits fours

• 5 oz (150 g) ground almonds
• 6 oz (175

Put the ground almonds, sugar and egg whites into a mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon to make a thick paste, then add the almond or vanilla essence. Set the bowl over a saucepan one quarter filled with hot (not boiling) water and beat until mixture softens and feels warm to the touch. Draw off the heat.

Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) or gas no. 4. Line two baking sheets with grea