Pignoli Almond Cookies

These are the kind of cookies you would have at tea party. The kind of party where you break out the gold rimmed tea cup and saucer sets, lace doilies, silver serving platters, & linen napkins. There would probably even be pennant flags and pinwheels. Unfortunately I didn't eat these cookies at a tea party. I ate them on a rainy day in my yoga pants while reading a book about witches. I did however eat them while drinking a cup of almond infused black tea, so I suppose I am halfway there. Whether you are wearing yoga pants or an Easter dress, these cookies are totally appropriate. These are such a spring sweet to me. The almond flavor is rich but still refreshing. And the pine nuts add a buttery crispness to the top of the cookie.
I used the recipe from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar. I didn't add the almond extract because the almond paste lends the cookies plenty of flavor. I also used far less pine nuts than suggested, because I am honestly not the biggest pine nut fan. I also didn't need to dip my cookies in milk before pressing the pine nuts on. They stuck just fine to the un-moistened dough. I used store bought almond paste, but am highly considering making my own next time. You basically puree blanched almonds with sugar until it's smooth. I have a fancy blender, so I feel like I should make the most of it. Has anyone ever made almond paste?
I am also in love with these dishes! I have the same plate in a different color, but I had never seen a matching cup. While I like the blue shade of the older plate, this lavender-grey has really won me over. Anthropoglie kitchenware always reels me in. I have been really good about not adding to my stock pile of dishes in the last few months, but I just couldn't help it?! Sometimes when I look at all of the kitchen related things I have I feel like I might have a slight hoarding problem. But then I remember about how good I am about maintaining minimal possessions in all the other aspects of my life. I don't have very many shoes or clothes. I don't have many books. It's just all cupcake pans & vintage saucers & hang printed napkins. Everybody's gotta have a vice right?!