I don't know who invented macaroons but it's genius. When I say macaroons, a few things come to mine but I'm talking in general about that cookie with a crackly, somewhat crisp, outer shell that gives way to chewiness in the center. I love to make this simple almond macaroon that's packed with almond flavor. It's another cookie on my personal top-ten list.
This cookie gets its great flavor from almond paste, which I love in cookies and cakes. I started making this cookie about a year ago and I just crave it every so often for that fragrant, sweet almond flavor and that chewy texture. This cookie is similar to the one featuring pignoli or pine nuts that we see often in Italian bakeries. I haven't had a chance to try making the pignoli version since I'm hooked on this one but I'll get to it eventually. This cookie is great with a cup of tea in the afternoon.
