Spiced Almond Meringue Stars

2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

5 egg whites

1/8 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons star anise

zest of 1 orange

1 pound almond flour

2 teaspoons Vin Santo (optional)

In a mixing bowl, whisk egg whites and salt together until stiff.  Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whip.  Add the cinnamon, star anise, Vin Santo and orange zest and whisk together.  Reserve one-third of the meringue mixture.  Fold the almond flour into the remainder.

Dust the work surface with confectioner’s sugar.  Pat the dough to 1/3” thick. 

Cut the dough with a 1 ½” star cookie cutter.  Glaze the tops with the reserved meringue mixture. 

Bake on a buttered cookie sheet pan or parchment lined pan.  Bake about 20 minutes, in a 300 F preheated oven.