Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- Piping bag with a small round tip
- Toothpicks
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, almond extract, and salt until a smooth dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
4. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in the shape of small mice, about 1 inch in length, with a round body and pointed nose. Use a toothpick to make small indentations for the eyes and nose.
5. Press a sliced almond onto the pointed end of each mouse to create the ears.
6. Bake the mice for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
7. Allow the mice to cool completely on the baking sheet.
8. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
9. Dip the pointed noses of the mice into the melted chocolate to create the nose.
10. Use a toothpick to draw on the eyes with the melted chocolate.
11. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
Makes approximately 20 mice
Nutritional information:
Calories: 90
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 30mg
Sugar: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour or hazelnut flour.
- Powdered sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar that has been processed in a food processor until fine.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but omit the added salt.
- Almond extract can be substituted with vanilla extract or any other flavor extract of your choice.
- Sliced almonds can be substituted with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Variations:
- Add food coloring to the dough to create different colored mice.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the nose and eyes.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Use a toothpick to make small indentations for the eyes and nose before baking.
- Allow the mice to cool completely before dipping in the melted chocolate to prevent the chocolate from melting.
- Store the mice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Storage instructions:
Store the mice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
Not applicable.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the mice on a platter with a piece of cheese for a fun and whimsical appetizer.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the mice for a snowy effect.
- Place the mice on a bed of shredded coconut to create a winter wonderland scene.
Pairings:
- Serve the mice with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Pair the mice with a cup of tea or coffee for a mid-day snack.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the mice with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
- Pair the mice with a side of crackers or pretzels for a savory and sweet snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky to pipe, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before piping.
- If the mice spread too much during baking, refrigerate the piped dough for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean hands and equipment when making the dough and shaping the mice.
- Store the mice in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Almond sugar mice are a traditional holiday treat in many European countries, particularly in Germany and Austria. They are often served during the Christmas season and are a fun and whimsical addition to any holiday dessert table.
Flavor profiles:
Almond sugar mice are sweet and nutty, with a hint of warm spice from the almond extract. The dark chocolate nose and eyes add a rich and decadent flavor to the treat.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the almond sugar mice as a fun and festive dessert or snack during the holiday season. They are perfect for a holiday party or as a gift for friends and family.
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