Mostaccioli di Mamma

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350° F. Position rack in the center.

Step 2

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, sift together dry ingredients. (flour, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and cocoa).

Step 4

Add ground almonds and incorporate with the dry ingredients. Set aside.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add honey. Continue to whisk until well thickened.

Step 7

Add sugar. Beat well.

Step 8

Add orange zest, juice and extract.

Step 9

Switch to paddle attachment. Add flour mixture until just combined. (Dough will be soft and sticky).

Step 10

Working with dough in small batches, place on well-floured wooden board and roll out to 1/4 - 1/2" thick.

Step 11

With a rhombus-shaped cutter or with a knife cut dough (I use a 2-inch cutter).

Step 12

Place on cookie sheets.

Step 13

Continue until all the dough has been shaped. Leftover dough trimmings  can be re-rolled.

Step 14

Bake at 350° F for about 15-18 minutes or until firm to touch.

Step 15

Let cool completely before glazing with chocolate.