Part 116 (1/2)

MAKES 24 COOKIES.

TIME: 40 MINUTES.

You could call these Koala Noses because that's what they look like. Using demerara sugar adds a slight brown-sugar taste and a little crunch because the crystals are bigger than normal sugar, but you can use turbinado sugar (as available in supermarkets as Sugar in the Raw) or even regular old granulated if that's what you have; just cut back on it by two tablespoons or so. These cookies are crispy outside, chewy inside, and the anise pairs beautifully with the fruity figs. Plus, they will have your kitchen smelling like an Italian bakery.

cup soy milk

2 teaspoons ground flaxseed, or 1 teaspoons whole flaxseeds

1 cups demerara sugar

cup canola oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

teaspoon anise extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

teaspoon salt

cup finely chopped almonds (start with slivers or sliced to make your life easier)

12 dried black mission figs, rough stem removed, cut in half lengthwise

PREHEAT THE oven to 350F. Lightly grease two baking sheets.

If using preground flaxseeds, place in a mixing bowl and beat vigorously with the soy milk. If using whole flaxseeds, grind them up in a blender and then add the soy milk. Blend until frothy. Add to the mixing bowl and proceed with the recipe.

Add the sugar and oil to the mixing bowl and beat until emulsified. Mix in the vanilla.

Add about 1 cup of the flour along with the baking powder and salt. Mix well. Add the remaining flour and mix. Fold in the chopped almonds. At this point a hand blender might not work, so use a wooden spoon or your hands.

Loosely roll the dough into golf ball-size b.a.l.l.s, then flatten them with your hands into 2-inch-diameter cookies. Place on a cookie sheet and gently but firmly smush a fig half, cut side down, into the center of each cookie.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The fig should be soft and the cookies should be golden brown on the bottom. The tops don't brown much.

Remove from the oven and let sit on the sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

TERRY'S FAVORITE ALMOND COOKIE

MAKES 24 COOKIES.