Holiday Friands: Serves 12

Friands are French sweet-muffin-like quick breads made from ground
almonds and butter. They have become quite popular in Australia. They
are easy to make---a simply delicious sweet treat. My version is
prepared with the holidays in mind. These are perfect for the holiday
dessert buffet, gift giving, or simply to have with tea or coffee when
guests drop by. Share special friands with special friends this
holiday season.

1 cup sliced almonds
1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons or 6 ounces) butter, melted
6 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 strawberries, cut into 4 slices each
6 green candied cherries, quartered


Preheat oven to 400° F. Place almonds in a food processor fitted with
a metal blade and process for about 1 to 2 minutes, until the almonds
resemble fine crumbs. Place ground almonds in a medium bowl and add
butter, egg whites, powdered sugar, flour, and lemon zest, stirring
until mixture is moistened. Do not over-mix or the friands will be
tough. Evenly divide batter into 12 muffin tin cups that have been
lightly sprayed with vegetable oil spray (you can use paper or foil
muffin liners, if desired). Place a strawberry slice and two candied
cherry pieces on top of each friand and bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or
until golden brown and cooked through the center. Transfer friands to
a cooling rack and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before
serving. Dust with powdered sugar to serve, if desired. Makes 12
friands.