Pfeffernuesse (Peppernuts)

6 cups unsifted all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon ground cloves

3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

5 large eggs

2 cups firmly packed light-brown sugar

3 tablespoons black coffee

1 cup ground blanched almonds

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

**DIRECTIONS**

1 large bowl -- (1. in ) combine

flour -- cinnamon, baking

-- powder, allspice,

1 clove -- nutmeg, pepper,

-- salt and cardamom; set aside. in large bowl of

electric mixer -- at high speed, beat

-- eggs

until fluffy. gradually beat in

light-brown sugar until blended. at low

speed -- alternately beat in

-- flour mixture

and coffee. with rubber spatula -- fold in

almonds and lemon peel. wrap in plastic

wrap; refrigerate until firm -- about 2

hours