Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars

Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars Recipe from Austria | Ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, and more

Region / culture: Austria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20-30 minutes | Servings: 12-16

Introduction

Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars are a delicious and traditional dessert that combines a buttery pastry with a sweet and nutty filling. These bars are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The recipe for Linzer Bars originated in Austria and is a variation of the classic Linzer Torte. The bars are named after the city of Linz, where the original torte was created. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a beloved dessert in many households.

Ingredients

6 cups of flour
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 tsp of salt
2 tsp of baking soda
2 tsp of baking powder
2 cups of crisco shortening
2 cups of sour cream
2 tsp of vanilla
4 egg yolks

How to prepare

Mix the dry ingredients together and set them aside.
Cream the Crisco, sour cream, and vanilla together.
Add the egg yolks and beat well.
Mix in the dry ingredients.
Place half of the dough in the bottom of a jelly roll pan and top it with the nut filling.
Roll out the remaining dough on a floured surface and cut it into long strips, about 0.5" wide.
Place the strips on top of the nuts, starting at one upper corner and going down to the opposite lower corner.
Continue this process, leaving space between the strips.
Then reverse the direction of the strips to create a lattice-top.
Fill the open areas with a small amount of plum jam.
Bake at 375°F for 20–30 minutes, or until the pastry is light golden brown.
Allow it to cool thoroughly, then cut it into squares.

Variations

Substitute the plum jam with raspberry or apricot jam for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the bars before serving for a decorative touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the Crisco, sour cream, and vanilla together until light and fluffy.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients.

- When rolling out the dough for the lattice-top, make sure to flour the surface well to prevent sticking.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure clean cuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars is to create a lattice-top with the dough strips to allow the nut filling to peek through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute butter for the shortening in this recipe for a richer flavor.

- Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to assemble and bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bars in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars contain nuts, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars are a delicious dessert that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a great treat to enjoy in moderation.

Summary

Mary-Nell's Linzer Bars are a classic and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a buttery pastry and a sweet nut filling, these bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary-Nell in her cozy kitchen. Mary-Nell was known for her delicious baked goods, and on that particular day, she was whipping up a batch of her famous Linzer Bars.

As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be captivated by the sweet aroma wafting through the air. The scent of almonds, cinnamon, and raspberry jam filled the room, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia that I couldn't resist.

Mary-Nell noticed my interest and smiled, beckoning me over to her side. "Would you like to learn how to make these Linzer Bars, dear?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I nodded eagerly, eager to soak up every bit of knowledge she had to offer. Mary-Nell began to walk me through the recipe, explaining each step in detail and sharing her tips and tricks for creating the perfect Linzer Bars.

I watched as she measured out the flour, sugar, and butter, expertly mixing them together until they formed a crumbly dough. She then added ground almonds and a hint of cinnamon, giving the dough a rich, nutty flavor that made my mouth water.

Next, Mary-Nell rolled out the dough and carefully pressed it into a baking pan, creating a firm, even layer that would serve as the base for the bars. She then spread a thick layer of raspberry jam over the top, the vibrant red color contrasting beautifully with the golden crust.

As the bars baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with their irresistible scent, Mary-Nell shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained how she had learned to make Linzer Bars from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations.

"Every time I make these bars, I feel a connection to my grandmother and all the love and care she put into her baking," Mary-Nell said, her voice soft with emotion.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I listened to her words, realizing the power that recipes held in connecting us to our past and our loved ones. I knew then that I had to learn this recipe and carry on the tradition of making Linzer Bars for my own family.

When the bars were finally ready, Mary-Nell cut them into neat squares and offered me a taste. The first bite was pure bliss, the buttery crust melting in my mouth and the sweet raspberry jam dancing on my taste buds.

"These are truly special," I told Mary-Nell, my eyes shining with gratitude.

She smiled and patted my hand. "I'm glad you think so, dear. Remember, recipes are meant to be shared and passed down through generations. I'm happy to pass this one on to you."

And with that, I left Mary-Nell's kitchen that day with a heart full of joy and a head full of memories. I couldn't wait to recreate her Linzer Bars in my own kitchen, sharing them with my family and keeping the tradition alive for years to come.