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3/7/08

Scandinavian Almond Bars

I don't know if my Scandinavian heritage is showing through or if it's just a personal choice, but when I choose a cookie or bar I'm more likely to go for 'almond' and 'pastry' than I am for anything chocolate or overly sweet. Even as a child I was drawn more to these types of things. Something that would have been perfect with a cup of coffee... had I been a coffee drinker at 8. (Ha ha ha). You can get 3-4 dozen out of this recipe after they are cut into strips.

Scandinavian Almond Bars


1 3/4 c flour
2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/2 c butter
1 c granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 t almond extract
Milk
1/2 c sliced almonds
1 c sifted powdered sugar
1/4 t almond extract
4 t milk


Stir together flour, baking powder and salt. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and the 1/2 tsp of almond extract and beat well. Add the flour mixture and beat until dough forms as soft ball. Divide the dough into four equal portions.

Roll each portion into a 12 inch long 'log'. Place 2 of the logs 4-5 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. Gently use a rolling pin to flatten the logs to a 3 inch wide bar. Repeat with the remaining rolls. Brush each flattened log with a little milk and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Bake in 325 degree oven for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden in color. While still warm, cut crosswise diagonally into 1" strips. Cool completely on a wire rack. Stir together the powdered sugar the 1/4 tsp almond extract and enough of the milk to make icing a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the cooled bars.Print Friendly and PDF