Scandinavian Almond Bars

Scandinavian Almond Bars Recipe - Delicious Almond Bars from Scandinavia

Region / culture: Scandinavia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 48

Introduction

Scandinavian Almond Bars are a delicious and traditional treat that are perfect for any occasion. These bars are sweet, nutty, and have a wonderful almond flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The recipe for Scandinavian Almond Bars has been passed down through generations in Scandinavian families. These bars are often made during the holiday season and are a popular treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
0.5 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
0.5 tsp almond extract
1.75 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
1 tbsp milk
0.5 cup sliced almonds, chopped

Icing:

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter. Beat in the egg and extract.
Combine the dry ingredients and add them to the creamed mixture. Mix well.
Divide the dough into fourths and form each portion into a 12x3 inch rectangle.
Place the rectangles 5 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Brush them with milk and sprinkle with almonds.
Bake at 325°F for 18-20 minutes, or until firm to the touch and the edges are lightly browned.
Cool the bars on the pan for 5 minutes, then cut them diagonally into 1 inch slices. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Combine the icing ingredients and drizzle over the bars.
Yield: About 4 dozen.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy for the best texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients to avoid a tough texture.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the icing to prevent it from melting and running off the bars.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Scandinavian Almond Bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy is an important technique for achieving the perfect texture in Scandinavian Almond Bars.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the margarine with butter for a richer flavor in Scandinavian Almond Bars.

Make Ahead Tips

Scandinavian Almond Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Scandinavian Almond Bars on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Scandinavian Almond Bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Scandinavian Almond Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place in a 325°F oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Scandinavian Almond Bars contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Scandinavian Almond Bars contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Scandinavian Almond Bars contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Scandinavian Almond Bars contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Scandinavian Almond Bars are a good source of Vitamin E and magnesium.

Alergens

Scandinavian Almond Bars contain almonds, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Scandinavian Almond Bars are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and a good source of healthy fats and proteins.

Summary

Scandinavian Almond Bars are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their sweet almond flavor and crunchy texture, these bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Ingrid, who had just returned from a trip to Scandinavia. She had brought back a cookbook filled with traditional Scandinavian recipes, and as we flipped through the pages, one recipe caught my eye - Scandinavian Almond Bars.

Ingrid explained that these bars were a popular treat in Scandinavian countries, especially during the holiday season. The combination of sweet almond paste and flaky pastry sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew I had to try making them myself.

I asked Ingrid for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I felt a rush of excitement. This was a new challenge for me, and I couldn't wait to get started.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients - almond paste, sugar, butter, eggs, flour, and sliced almonds. I followed the instructions carefully, mixing the almond paste with sugar and butter until it was smooth and creamy. Then, I added the eggs one at a time, beating the mixture until it was light and fluffy.

Next, I folded in the flour to create a soft dough. I pressed the dough into a greased baking pan, sprinkled it with sliced almonds, and popped it into the oven to bake.

As the bars baked, the sweet scent of almond filled the kitchen. I couldn't wait to see how they would turn out. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the timer dinged and I pulled the bars out of the oven.

They were a beautiful golden brown, with a crisp, flaky crust and a gooey almond filling. I couldn't resist cutting into them right away and taking a bite.

The taste was incredible - sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible. I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

I packaged up a few bars to share with Ingrid, then set about making another batch to bring to my next family gathering. The bars were a hit with everyone, and I was flooded with requests for the recipe.

From that day on, Scandinavian Almond Bars became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for holidays, birthdays, and just because. Each time I baked a batch, I was transported back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a touch of almond extract for extra flavor, or experimenting with different types of nuts. But the basic recipe remains the same - a simple yet delicious combination of almond paste, sugar, butter, and flour.

I have shared this recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have complimented me on the bars. It brings me joy to see others enjoy something that I have created with my own two hands.

As I grow older, I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking. Each recipe I learn, each dish I create, is a testament to the people and places that have influenced me along the way.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing another batch of Scandinavian Almond Bars, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the journey that has brought me to this moment. Cooking has always been a source of comfort and joy for me, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share that joy with others.

I hope that this recipe brings as much happiness to you as it has to me. May you savor each bite, and may it remind you of the simple pleasures that come from a well-made treat shared with loved ones.