scandinavian almond bars

The recipe for this cookie was published years ago in a Better Homes and Garden magazine of Christmas baking.  Since we gravitate towards all things Scandinavian we gave this one a try and it quickly became a favorite of my mom.  It is easy to do, keeps well and can be made ahead of time and frozen.  It has a different shape so it looks interesting on a goodie plate.

Scandinavian almond bars

1 3/4 cup flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/2 cup sliced almonds, coarsely chopped

almond icing

Stir together the dry ingredients.  In a mixer beat the butter until softened.  Add the sugar and beat until fluffy.  Add the egg and the extract and beat well.  Add the dry ingredients and beat until well mixed.

To shape divide dough into fourths and shape each portion into a log about 12 inches long.  Place two of the logs on each parchment lined baking sheet and flatten into a rectangle that is about  3 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick.  Brush each rectangle with a small amount of milk and top with chopped almonds.  Bake in preheated 325° oven for 12-14 minutes.  Remove from oven and while still warm cut crosswise at an angle.  When cool drizzle with almond icing made from confectioners sugar, milk and almond flavoring.

first I make one 12 inch log

i use my bench scraper to cut it into four parts

The four logs

Then I use the palm of my hand to flatten each log.

two flattened logs on each baking sheet

I use a brush to spread a little milk on each

then I sprinkle the chopped sliced almonds

ready for the oven

while still warm I cut them diagonally and cool.

ans with a drizzle of icing they are done.