The Ischler Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced almonds, preferably unblanched
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 16 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 1/2 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups plus 1 tbsp bleached all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 2/3 cups dried apricots (1 lb)
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp lemon zest, finely grated
• 1 tsp apricot or peach brandy
• 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, hot
• Nut grater; 21/2" round cookie cutters