From My Grandmother's Christmas Kitchen

The build-up to Christmas was always mysterious and magical in our house when I was little. One moment one was banished from the sitting room because secret things were happening there and next moment the kitchen was out of bounds, even though the most enticing smells were wafting through the house!

The kitchen was firmly my grandmother's domain and I will always remember all the delicious treats she prepared. One of those was " Baked Potatoes ", a most delicious little mouthful!

Not to keep you in suspense what these potatoes could possibly be, here is the recipe:

200 g shelled walnuts (or mixed nuts)
250 g icing sugar, sifted
3 egg whites, a few drops of almond essence if liked
some cocoa or grated chocolate
baking tray, buttered and dusted with flour

Grind the nuts, preferably with the pulse button, so they would not become too oily.Add the icing sugar and almond essence if using. In a separate bowl beat the egg whites until stiff. Take some of the whites and stir under the nuts then gently fold in the remaining egg whites. Using your hands roll little balls the size of a walnut and place on a board or plate. When done, roll each ball in grated chocolate or cocoa to cover. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 180 degrees C (gas 4) for about 15 minutes until they split. That is where you get the "baked potato" effect!

 Ready for the oven!

 All done and yummy!

This recipe gives approximately 36 pieces. But if your family is like mine you should bake a second batch the next day!