(by Kristina Zalesskaya)
For spice powder:
1 1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. ground nutmeg
1/2 t. ground cloves
1/4 t. powdered ginger
1/4 t. cardamom
1/4 t. white pepper
Mix ingredients together.
7 oz. flour, sifted
2 t. baking powder
1 1/2 t. spoons spice powder
pinch of salt
7 T. brown sugar
9 T. cold butter
1 T. water
3 – 4 oz. sliced almonds, divided
1 egg, beaten
Mix together flour, baking powder, spice powder, salt, brown sugar, butter, water, and half of the sliced almonds.
Roll dough between two pieces of parchment paper to a thickness of less than 1/4 in.
Let dough rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Cut cookies to desired shapes with cutters.
Brush cookies with egg wash and sprinkle with remaining sliced almonds.
Bake on parchment paper for 15 - 18 minutes, and cool on a rack.
(Read From Russia With Love, the story that accompanies this recipe.)