1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 eggs
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped candied orange or lemon peel
confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Process almonds and chocolate in a blender or food processor on until finely chopped. Combine with 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, cinnamon and cloves. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with electric mixer until pale and fluffy.

Stir in flour mixture until well blended. Mix orange peel and the two tablespoons of flour; work into dough with hands.

Divided into 30 equal pieces. On lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 9 inch rope. Bend into a pretzel shape.

Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until firm to the touch.

Cool on wire rack. Sprinkle tops with sifted confectioners' sugar.

Makes 30.

Submitted by: CM