Instructions: Sift flour with salt onto a board. Make a well in the center and put in butter, icing sugar, egg yolks and vanilla. Sprinkle ground almonds onto flour.

Work ingredients in center with fingertips until thoroughly blended. Draw in flour and ground almonds and work into a smooth dough. Knead lightly. Form dough into a ball, wrap in plastic film and chill for 1 hour.

Divide dough into small pieces and roll into balls the size of a small walnut. Roll under palm of hand to form a small tube and then shape into tiny crescents.

Bake in a moderate oven (350F) for 10-12 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool, placing a sheet of paper underneath. Dredge biscuits heavily with sifted icing sugar while still warm. Cool.

A favourite at Christmas time.

Serve with tea or coffee.

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