Here is what you need to make these creepy fingers.
Ingredients:
Ø 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Ø 30 sliced almonds
Ø 2 large eggs
Ø 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ø 1/2 cup softened butter
Ø 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Ø 5 T. sugar
Ø Pinch of salt
Ø 1 2/3 cups flour
Ø Couple drops of almond extract
Directions:
1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Put food coloring in a shallow bowl and add the slivered almonds into the bowl. Leave them set until they are as deep red as you’d like. Every so often, stir them around to make sure they are getting completely covered.
4. Separate 1 egg, sitting the white aside in a separate bowl. In a different bowl, take the entire 2nd egg with the yolk of the first egg and whisk it together; add vanilla and set aside.
5. In large bowl, combine softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, sugar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Add egg mixture and almond extract, and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, and mix on low speed just until put together. Wrap the dough in plastic, and chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
6. Once firm enough divide the dough into two halves. Keep the one you’re not working with covered in the plastic wrap and chilled. Separate the dough you’re working with into fifteen pieces. Lightly flour your counter or work space. Roll each piece back and forth with palms into finger shapes about 3 and a half to 4 inches long. Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles. Score each knuckle lightly with the back of a small knife. Transfer fingers to the previously prepared baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
7. After you have formed all your fingers, using a pastry brush, brush lightly with the egg white from the first egg in step 4.
8. Position almonds into nails and push into dough to keep firm.
9. Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes, however, you will remove them at about 9 minutes and reshape them the way you want them to look. Cool completely.
Kids love these icky fingers. Even more fun than eating them is making them, so don’t be afraid to let them join in the process. You’ll all have fun and the kids will learn a few life skills at the same time.
