Tonight, many of us are anticipating the arrival of a Jolly Old Elf, putting his white-gloved finger next to his nose as he bids us adieu for another year.

And that wink!

Winks are full of joy, mischief, and an inside secret.

Well, I’m sharing a little bit of a secret with you right now.

An easy little cookie that seems to wink at you!

Yes, I am speaking of my previously published Almond Macaroon recipe, now updated and even better, as Almond Winks.

These are gluten free, with that over-the-top sweetness of almond paste ramped down, making these little jewels into a ‘wink’ sure to please.

So simple to create, you can whip these up today in time for a family treat, and in time to leave for Santa as he speeds through his rounds in the wee hours.

Thanks go to our own magic elf, Sheree, who is making this recipe easy for you to download and print!

In my test kitchen today, I used a different method of baking. Note the mid/lower oven rack and the one about 4 inches above it. That beginning of a golden color in the cookies was achieved by baking the first 20 minutes on the lower rack – and then finishing on the top rack for 4-6 more minutes, making sure to not over bake.

Best wishes for peace, love, and joy in all our hearts, regardless of our beliefs.

In health –

Deidre 

NOTE FROM SHEREE: With both Deidre and I being grandmothers, (yes, believe it not), and being the Christmas season, I wanted to post something special relating to warm memories of grandmothers baking cookies with their grandchildren. Hope you enjoy it.

GRANDMA’S SECRET RECIPE

Grandma’s in the kitchen,
with a smile so wide,
mixing up a potion, and I’m by her side.
She says it’s magic, and I believe it, too.
With a sprinkle of laughter,
and a pinch of, “I love you.”
Her cookies are the sweetest,
and the hugs are the best.
Grandma’s secret recipe
beats all the rest!

Unknown author

Merry Christmas, everyone – God bless you all.

Sheree