Ingredients for basic butter cookies
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 oz slivered almonds (1 cup)
almond, spice, cookies

For cake
Butter for greasing pan
1/2 cup all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting pan
1 cup sliced almonds (preferably with skins; 3 1/2 oz)
2/3 cup sugar
4 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons whole milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites

For berry syrup
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups blackberries (9 oz)
1 cup raspberries (4 1/2 oz)

Garnish: confectioners sugar
almond, cake, berries

4 large eggs
1 1/3 cups half-and-half
4 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sliced almonds (5 oz)
8 (3/4-inch-thick) slices brioche or challah from a 4- to 5-inch-wide loaf
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Accompaniments: maple syrup; confectioners sugar (optional)
almond, french, toast