It’s National Almond Day!

Today, February 16, is National Almond Day! Did you know that a large percentage of almonds are grown in California?

Almonds are used in numerous recipes. Almonds are also said to offer a variety of health benefits. To discover the history of almonds and its many attributes visit the National Almond Day website.

Below is a recipe from J Vineyards in California. The recipe requires almonds and Pinot Noir.

Cheers! Kathy

Chocolate Almond Shortbread with Pinot Noir Dried Bing Cherry Puree

Serves 65 cookies 1-1/2 inch each.

Ingredients

Chocolate Almond Shortbread:

8 ounces butter (at room temperature)
2 ounces granulated sugar
1 ounce powdered sugar
1 ounce cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
8 ounces all purpose flour
1 ounce chopped almonds

Pinot Noir Dried Bing Cherry Puree:

8 ounces dried Bing cherries (or other Fruit)
4 ounces J Pinot Noir
2 ounces water

Method

Chocolate Almond Shortbread:

In mixer on low speed blend butter, sugars, cocoa, vanilla and salt. Then add flour, and nuts. Roll out dough between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/8 of an inch.

Chill dough in refrigerator for one hour; this will make it easier to cut into desired shapes.

Bake 350º for 8-10 minutes.

Pinot Noir Dried Bing Cherry Puree:

Combine all the above in small saucepan and bring to a boil, then adjust heat to low and cook until cherries are soft, about 10 minutes. Pour into blender and puree.

Allow mixture to cool then place in a pastry bag for piping.

Cheers!
Kathy