CRUNCHY, CHEWY FLAX & ALMOND MACAROONS (EGG-FREE)

Steps:

• Whisk the first two ingredients together in a bowl and let stand at least 2-3 minutes before use.
• Using a hand mixer, beat the sugar & 5 T. hot water together in a large bowl for 2-3 minutes (to allow some of the sugar to "melt").
• Gradually add the flax mixture and all the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
• If making as biscotti or chewy bars, grease and flour an 8x11" baking tin (as per kokeshi doll below) or a 10" round springform pan before adding the dough. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes. Remove promptly to a wire rack.
• If making as cookies or macaroons, grease and flour a cookie sheet before placing 1" balls of dough approximately 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes. Remove promptly to a wire rack.
• NB If you want these to be chewy, do not allow them to brown at the edges. Otherwise they will be as hard as hockey pucks!
• PS I preferred using my Bosch Kitchen Machine (the large bowl & dough hooks) to a hand mixer for this heavy batter.