Almond Puff

ALMOND PUFF

Base:

1/2 cup butter (8 tablespoons)

1 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3 - 4 tablespoons water

Topping:

1/2 cup butter (8 tablespoons)

1 cup water

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup flour

1/3 cup sugar

3 eggs

Glaze:

1 cup powder sugar

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup+ milk

sliced almonds if desired

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Preheat oven to 350*.

Base: 

Combine 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons water to create a crumbly dough mixture.

Add additional water by tablespoons until cohesive dough forms.

Divide dough in half.

Pat into two long ovals onto prepared baking sheet, each approximately 3" x 12".

Leave space between the ovals so they have room to spread while baking.

Topping:

Bring 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup water to a boil in a large saucepan.

Stir in extracts, flour and sugar, and beat vigorously over low heat about 1 minute until dough gathers into a ball.

Remove from heat and add eggs, beating all until smooth and glossy.

Spread topping over base crusts.

Bake at 350* about 55 minutes - 60 minutes, until crisp and golden brown on top.

Cool on rack before drizzling with glaze.

Glaze: 

In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine 1 cup powder sugar, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and milk by tablespoons until mixture is thin enough to pour.

Drizzle over cooled pastries and sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired.

About 8 servings

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