Almond Cloud Cookies

I had quite a few requests for this cookie recipe and I am happy to share it. I must confess it's not my cookie recipe. I actually took it from my favorite flour and baking company "King Arthur Flour Company". If you EVER are in need of baking ingredients or information, check out their website and items. I have (3) dream jobs; (1) owning my bed / breakfast, (2) working at King Arthur Flour and (3) working in the America's Test Kitchen.

These cookies are best described as "macaroons without the annoying bits of coconut". They melt in your mouth and are just as names "cloud cookies".

Almond Cloud Cookies Makes 21 cookies

10 oz. almond paste

1 c. sugar

2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

1/4 t. almond extract

1/8 t. orange or lemon oil (optional)

powdered sugar

1. Preheat the oven 325 degrees. Lightly grease or line with parchment two baking sheets.

2. Blend the almond paste and sugar until the mixture forms fine crumbs; this is best done in a stand mixer. Add egg whites gradually, while mixing, to make a smooth paste. Stir in the flavorings.

3. Scoop the dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared pans. Sprinkle the cookies heavily with powdered sugar, then use 3 fingers to press an indentation into the center of each cookie.

4. Bake the cookies 20 - 25 minutes, until they're brown around the edges. Let them cool on the pan.

Week 2: Greek Bone-In Chicken Breasts

This weeks menu is and recipe for Greek Bone-In Chicken Breasts:

Greek Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Sloppy Joe's
Baked Ziti
Breakfast
Carry-In Pizza
Beef Stew
Seafood

Seafood this week is fish sticks and breaded clams. It's my birthday weekend and since Rob and I are going out to dinner, the kids will have fish sticks for dinner that night. Carry-In Pizza is going to be sandwiches and pizza from Rocky's here in Beavercreek.

The bone-in chicken breasts are going into the oven this week for my family. We try to use our grill as much as possible, but with a bit more snow coming, it might not make it out there. You can grill or bake these chicken breasts.

Greek Bone-In Chicken Breasts Serves 4 - 6

Wet Rub for Chicken:
1/4 c. fresh oregano leaves
2T. chopped fresh rosemary
3 T. olive oil
1 T. fresh lemon juice
2 t. salt
2 t. grated lemon rind
4 garlic cloves, minced

4 - 6 bone-in chicken breasts
9 x 13" baking dish

1. Prepare the rub just before cooking. Wet rub's tend to dull quickly, so they are not good for a make ahead. This is NOT a marinade.

2. Remove the skin from chicken breasts.

3. Place oregano and remaining ingredients in a mini food processor; process until finely chopped.

4. Place chicken in a 9 x 13 pan, lined with foil. Brush or pour rub onto chicken. Allow to sit for 10 minutes. Either heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 45 minutes (or until juices inside chicken run clear) or place foil and chicken onto grill and cook until juices run clear.