Ratafia Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325°F Line a cookie sheet with brown paper (as from grocery bags).
2. 2
   Pound or grind the almonds as fine as possible.
3. 3
   Gradually add the sugar, egg whites, rose water and almond extract, beating until it becomes a thick paste.
4. 4
   Using a teaspoon dipped in ice water, drop little mounds of the mixture on the brown paper.
5. 5
   They will spread while baking, so place them about 2 inches apart.
6. 6
   Bake 20-22 minutes, or until puffy and delicately browned.
7. 7
   Remove the paper, biscuits and all, from the cookie sheet.
8. 8
   Let it cool for a few seconds while you wring out a cloth in cold water.
9. 9
   Lay the cloth out flat, and place the sheet of biscuits on top of it.
10. 10
    After a few minutes the paper will release its hold, and you can lift the biscuits off to cool on a rack.
11. 11
    Repeat the process (with fresh pieces of brown paper) until you have used all the batter.