Dutch Letters
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 50 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling
YIELD: 28 pastry pieces.
These S-shaped super flaky butter pastries filled with almond paste and topped with crunchy sugar are popular in both Iowa and Holland during the Christmas season. Here's a recipe that will let you make and enjoy them all year round. —Shirley De Lange, Byron Center, Michigan
Ingredients
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1 can (8 ounces) almond paste
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1 cup sugar
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1 large egg
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1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
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DOUGH:
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 cups cold butter
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1 cup ice water
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1 large egg white
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2 teaspoons water
Directions
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1.
In a large bowl, beat the almond paste, sugar, egg and extract until smooth. Divide into 4 portions. On lightly floured waxed paper, roll each portion into a 12x1/2-in. rope; set aside.
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2.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide into 4 portions.
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3.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a 14x6-in. rectangle. Place 1 almond paste rope in the center of each rectangle. Moisten long edges of dough; fold over filling. Press seam to seal; tuck in ends.
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4.
Transfer seam side down to greased baking sheets; form each into an "S" shape. Whisk egg white and water; brush over dough. Using a fork, prick tops at 1-in. intervals to vent.
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5.
Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. To serve, cut into 2-in. pieces.
Nutrition Facts
1 pastry: 248 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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