Dutch Butter Letter Recipes

DUTCH LETTERS

Steps:

• 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., 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. , 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., 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., Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. To serve, cut into 2-in. pieces.

BOTERKOEK (DUTCH BUTTER CAKE)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 8 inch round cake pans, or 9 inch pie plates.
• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, reserving just enough to brush over the tops, about 1 tablespoon. Stir in the almond extract. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the batter by hand using a sturdy spoon. The dough will be stiff.
• Press evenly into the two prepared pans. Press almond halves into the top where each slice would be. Brush the tops with a thin layer of the reserved egg.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Cut into wedges to serve.

DUTCH LETTER BARS

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream margarine, butter and eggs.
• Beat in almond paste.
• Add sugar and flour; mix well.
• Spread into a greased 13" x 9" x 2" baking pan.
• Sprinkle the top with a small amount of sugar and the almonds.
• Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until the top is browned. Cool before cutting. Makes 3 dozen.