Recipe(tried): More Puerto Rican recipes for gift giving; for dearest Donna.

The Spiced rum is one of my favorite gift giving articles. The Spiced rum gives a wonderful flavor & aroma to coffee, cakes, custards, sweet liqueurs & to the ubiquitous Arroz con Dulce (or con Coco). I always make extra for myself & my family.
_____________________________________

Spiced Rum (Ron con Especias)
Servings 1 liter

1 vanilla bean
3 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
4 whole allspice
1 whole nutmeg, crushed
3 star anise
pinch aniseed
1 liter golden rum (Bacardi or Don Q)

Make a slit along the vanilla bean. Scrape the pulp into a glass jar. Add the vanilla bean and the remaining ingredients and cover. Store the rum in a dry, cool place for at least 2 weeks. Strain and pour back into the rum bottle.
___________________________________

Almond Cookies (Polvorones)
Source: A Taste of Puerto Rico/Yvonne Ortiz 1997
Servings 22

1 egg yolk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 teaspoon almond extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Beat the egg yolks, sugar, butter, and almond extract in a large bowl. Blend in the flour a little at a time. Shape a tablespoon of dough into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until light golden brown.