Algerian Mchewek - My Traditional Family Recipe! - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 cups ground almonds (ground in food processor) or 3 cups desiccated coconut (ground in food processor)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 small eggs (approx)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla powder or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped sliced almonds (to roll onto) or 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
glace cherries, to decorate

Preparation

Put ground almonds or coconut, baking powder, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and mix well (traditionally with your hand). Slowly incorporate the eggs until a firm paste has been achieved.
Make small balls from the dough - slightly larger than a malteser or olive. Roll each ball in the chopped flaked almonds or coconut and coat well.
Place the mchewek balls on a baking sheet which has been greased and lightly floured. Put 1/4 a glace cherry on the top in the centre of each mchewek.
Cook in a preheated oven at 170c for approximately 12 minutes or until almonds have turned a pale golden colour.
Allow to cool before placing in small bun/sweet cases (optional).