Almond and Orange Balls

Almond and orange balls are a delicious treat, easy to prepare and perfect to accompany coffee or to offer at the end of a meal. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 200 g of peeled almonds
• 100 g of powdered sugar
• Grated zest of 1 untreated orange
• 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice
• Granulated sugar or powdered sugar for coating

Preparation

1. Begin by toasting the almonds in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 5-10 minutes, until they are lightly golden. This will enhance the flavor of the almonds and make your balls more aromatic.
2. Let the almonds cool, then finely chop them in a mixer or food processor. You want to achieve an almost flour-like texture, but with some larger pieces to add crunchiness.
3. Add the powdered sugar and the grated orange zest to the chopped almonds and mix to combine well.
4. Gradually add the orange juice, working the mixture until it comes together in a compact mass that you can shape with your hands. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more juice; if it’s too wet, you can add a bit more powdered sugar or chopped almonds.
5. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form balls the size of a hazelnut.
6. Roll the balls in granulated sugar or powdered sugar to coat them completely.
7. Arrange the balls on a tray and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, so that they harden and the flavors meld well together.

Curiosity

These balls are a variant of the typical Mediterranean almond sweets, and the orange zest adds a touch of freshness and flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the almond. Sometimes, in Italian variations, drops of liqueur such as Amaretto are also added to intensify the flavor.

This dessert is gluten-free, so it’s suitable for those on a gluten-free diet. However, make sure that all ingredients are certified gluten-free if you are preparing the balls for someone with celiac disease.