Tangerine-Scented Almond Cookies

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Peel the tangerines and place the peels in a small saucepan. Add cold water to cover and bring to a boil. Drain the peels, add fresh cold water to cover and bring to a boil again. Drain, rinse under cold running water and drain again. Dry completely with paper towels.

2. Step 2

   In a food processor, combine the almonds and tangerine peels and process until finely ground. Strain the juices from the tangerines through a sieve set over a bowl, pressing against the fruit to release all the juice.

3. Step 3

   In a large saucepan, combine the almond mixture, granulated sugar and ¼ cup of the tangerine juice and simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 7 minutes. Let cool.

4. Step 4

   Shape tablespoon-size portions of the mixture into 1½-inch-thick pear shapes, wetting your fingers with the remaining tangerine juice to keep the dough from sticking to your hands. Dredge each cookie in confectioners' sugar to coat. Wrap the cookies individually in cellophane or cover tightly in a container. Let stand 3 days before serving. They will keep for 7 to 10 days.