Mahlab Cherry Almond Balls

Mahlab, a spice derived from the pit of the Mediterranean St. Lucie cherry, tastes strongly of cherry and bitter almond, with more elusive floral and vanilla notes. In our search for a cookie that would do justice to this unique flavor, we were thrilled to find these phenomenal cherry almond balls. They're a perfect vehicle for this striking spice.Using ground almonds instead of almond flour is key to these addictive cookies, which were a feature of the holidays during our childhood. The original recipe used candied cherries for the center, but we opted for re-hydrated dried cherries instead this time. The change gives the cookies a fresher, slightly less sweet flavor. Try them out, but be warned: They may become a permanent addition to your holiday baking.

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DIY Amaretto

Better than store-bought, this liqueur boasts a rich caramel flavor embellished with toasted spices, almonds and apricots. Not for immediate gratification, this process takes a month to complete but the outcome is well worth it. Toasting the spices and caramelizing the sugar make for a sweet, rich flavor that can't be beat. Enjoy it in your favorite cocktails and toddies for over the top flavor. Whether you make a bottle to stock your bar or divvy it up for gifting, it is a fun liqueur to make.

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