Karydata - Cookies with walnuts

Their name in Greek is "Karydata" (karydi=walnut). They are delicious and fluffy little biscuit/cookie type of thing and so easy to make at home because of the simple ingredients. Their aroma is something else!

Ingredients (for about 80 pieces):
500gr. walnuts, roughly chopped
2 tea-cups sugar
1 tbsp of plain vinegar
1 tbsp of rose water
5 egg whites (medium size eggs)
* orange marmalade or apricot jam for filling (optional)

Method:
In the food processor beat the egg whites into a stiff meringue while, at the same time, you add gradually the sugar. Then add the vinegar and the rosewater and in the end add the walnuts and gently stir the ingredients with a spoon so not to ruin the meringue.

Preheat the oven to 170°C.

Line a shallow oven dish with baking paper and using a teaspoon place small spoonfuls of the mixture on it leaving some space between them.

Put in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes. *** Not less or more time than this.

When they are ready leave them to cool on a rack for a few minutes.

You have the option to serve the karydata plain or to spoon on half of them a small amount of marmelade or jam and then cover with the other halves.