Hazelnut Spritz - hazelnuts

Method

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• A plain baking sheet need not be greased.
• Put the nuts into the food processor and grind them until very fine.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until light.
• Add the ground nuts and flour.
• Mix until smooth.
• Put the dough into a cookie press with a star or ridged tip and press into long, narrow strips.
• Cut into 4-inch pieces.
• Shape the strips into rings and place on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 10 minutes, just until lightly browned.
• Slide baked cookies on the parchment off the baking sheet onto the countertop to cool, or place onto a wire rack to cool.
• While the cookies bake, combine the chocolate chips and cream in a small glass bowl.
• Microwave at high power 1 minute at a time, or place over simmering water, stirring until melted.
• Dip cooled cookies in the chocolate so that ends are coated by 1/2 inch.
• Place on the parchment or on waxed paper to harden.