Prep Time: 25 minutes.

Cook Time: 35 minutes.

1. Toast the Almonds

   Toast the almonds at 200°C / 400°F for about 15 minutes, until brown. Then let cool.

2. Mix the Ingredients

   In a bowl, mix the flour and baking powder together. Add the eggs, sugar, salt, olive oil, and lemon zest. Mix well. Then add the almonds (whole) and knead the dough until incorporated. If the dough is too hard, add an additional egg or extra virgin olive oil. If it is too soft, add additional flour.

3. Form the Loaves

   With wet hands, form three even-sized ‘loaves’ with the dough, each about a foot long and 5-6 cm / 2-3 inches wide.

4. Bake until Golden

   Bake at 200°C / 390°F for about 25 minutes, until golden brown.

5. Cut and Bake

   Cut slices 2 cm / 1 inches thick in a slightly diagonal pattern as soon you get them out of the oven. After, put them back on the baking tray. Bake the cookies in the oven for another 10 minutes at 200°C / 390°F.

6. Serve!

   Serve cookies with a sweet liquor-like wine.