Almonds are thought to have originated in Central Asia and China. Explorers ate almonds traveling the "Silk Road" between Asia and the Mediterranean. Almond trees began flourishing in the Mediterranean, especially in Spain and Italy. In the mid-1700s the almond tree was brought from Spain to California. By the turn of the 20th century, the almond industry was firmly established in the Sacramento and San Joaquin regions of California.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the butter and sugar together.
- Add the almonds and orange zest.
- Add the orange juice.
- Add the flour.
- Spoon teaspoons of batter onto a non-stick baking sheet and flatten with a fork.
- Bake for 3–4 minutes, until golden at the edges.
- Cool for 1 minute (so you can move them without breaking). To create a curved shape, drape the warm cookies over the edges of a multi-loaf bread pan.
- For a flat cookie, move to a flat serving dish when slightly cool.
℞ M.D. Notes
- Delicious when served with frozen yogurt or ice cream, or alone with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Almonds are a nutrient-rich food.
- Almonds are an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, manganese and the antioxidant vitamin E.
