Blalen tal-gellewz inkaljat (Roasted hazelnut balls)

This is a Christmas recipe taken from my Mother’s diary where she recorded recipes from our childhood days. The flavor, smell and texture of these hazelnut balls bring so many nostalgic memories and instil in me the warm spirit of Christmas. Hope they work this way for you too!

Ingredients:

• 400g flour, sifted
• 300g butter, cut into cubes
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 200g roasted hazelnuts, peeled
• 1 egg
• 2 tblsp fine sugar
• 2 tblsp anisette liqueur

Using your fingertips rub in the butter with flour together until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add the remaining ingredients and knead into soft and smooth dough. Form bite-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper. Bake in a 150º Celsius, preheated oven. Remove from the oven once the hazelnut balls are firm. Roll them in icing sugar when they are still warm.