1 egg white
1 cup sugar
1 cup blanched and slightly roasted almonds, sliced in half or quartered, depending on their size

Beat egg white until frothy.

Slowly add the sugar while beating until stiff peaks are formed.

Fold in the almonds.

Place one-spoonful portions in very small paper cups on a cookie sheet, and then bake in oven at 275 degrees F. for about 15 to 20 minutes.

My late aunt, Zia Teresa, was able to make over a dozen "Bianca Neve" ("snow-white") cookies with one egg white (I sure can't). She was able to beat the egg and sugar until a fork stood by itself by hand (Never used an electric beater as far as I remember). My late aunt, like many of her generation, had cooking skills that few of us can match. And yet we try. In the trying, pleasure. In the trying, triumph -- the past lives. Photo: by the contributor.

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