100g (4oz) ground almonds  

    175g (6oz) caster sugar

    2 egg whites

    1 level tablespoon of corn flour

    Quarter of a teaspoon of vanilla essence   

    24 halved blanched almonds

1. Line two large baking trays.

2. Light the oven at 190C, Gas mark 5.

3. Mix the ground almonds with the sugar and add the unbeaten egg whites setting one tablespoon aside.

4. Stir in the corn flour and essence.

5. Roll the mixture into walnut sized balls and spread evenly on a baking tray. (Leave space for them to spread out)

6. Put half an almond on each one and then brush with the remainder of the egg white.

7. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

8. Macaroons will go hard when cool.