Cherry Almond Cups

[marti]

Cherry Almond Cups



3 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 pounds almond paste

1 cup egg whites (about 8 whites)



DOUGH:

3 cups unsifted cake flour

1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter

2/3 cup sugar

4 egg yolks

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract



30 candied cherries, cut in half

Sliced almonds for garnish



For the filling: Place sugar and almond paste in a food processor and mix thoroughly. Transfer to a mixer bowl and beat in egg whites on medium speed for

2 minutes. Cover and set aside.



For the dough: Place cake flour, butter and sugar in a mixer bowl. Beat on low speed until well mixed. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract. Wrap dough

in plastic and chill for 1 hour.



Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured board. With a 2 1/4-inch round cutter, cut out circles of dough. Fit dough circles into lightly greased

mini muffin tins to form cups.



Fill each cup 2/3 full with the almond-paste filling. Place a few sliced almonds on top. Garnish each with half of a candied cherry.



Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 18 minutes. Cool in pans before removing.



Makes 60. Enjoy. Marilyn