Michelina’s almond biscuits: a taste of home, shared with Australia

When Michelina first adapted her family almond biscuit recipe for Australian kitchens, she could never have imagined it would one day reach 14,000 homes across the country.

The Nunawading home chef, who receives home care support through Dovida, submitted her recipe for Pasticcini di Mandorla (Almond Biscuits) as part of Dovida’s annual cooking competition. From more than 200 entries submitted by clients from across Australia, Michelina’s recipe was selected as one of just 12 to feature in the 2026 Dovida cooking calendar, representing the month of May.

“This is a recipe I adapted from one I used to make for my family when we first came to Australia,” Michelina says. “My daughter, Rose, remembers watching me grind the almonds by hand, back when almond flour wasn’t something you could buy in stores.”

It’s a story that captures something close to the heart of what Dovida is all about: the richness that older Australians bring to their families, their communities and the people around them. Michelina’s caregiver Caroline is part of that circle too, pictured alongside her in the calendar, sharing in one of the small, joyful moments that make every day meaningful.

The 2026 Dovida cooking calendar features recipes spanning sweet treats, family classics and cultural favourites, each paired with the story behind the dish.

We’re proud to share Michelina’s recipe here, so you can bring a little of her kitchen into yours.

Michelina’s Almond Biscuits Pasticcini di Mandorla

Ingredients

500 g almond flour
300 g caster sugar
5 large egg whites (room temperature)
Vanilla essence to taste
Icing sugar, for rolling
Glacé cherries, quartered, for decoration

Method

Pre-heat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan-forced).

Whip the egg whites and caster sugar together until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture forms firm peaks.

Add vanilla essence and almond flour, folding the flour in a little at a time.

Once the mixture holds together, spoon small amounts into a bowl of icing sugar and gently roll into balls with your hands.

Place the balls onto a lined baking tray, leaving space for the biscuits to expand. Press a piece of glacé cherry into the centre of each one.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Makes approximately 30 biscuits.

Interested in finding out how Dovida could support you or someone you love? Visit dovida.com.au or call us on 1300 008 018.