Scandinavian Almond Puff

1. STEP 1

   Heat oven to 350°F.

2. STEP 2

   Place 1 cup flour in bowl; cut in 1/2 cup butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 2 tablespoons water with fork until flour mixture is just moistened. Shape dough into ball. Pat dough into 10-inch circle on ungreased baking sheet. Set aside.

3. STEP 3

   Combine 1 cup water and 1/2 cup butter in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until mixture comes to a full boil and butter is melted. Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup flour and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute or until mixture forms a ball . Remove from heat.

4. STEP 4

   Add 1 egg at a time, beating with whisk or wooden spoon after each addition until smooth and glossy.

5. STEP 5

   Spread egg mixture over pastry circle. Bake 50-55 minutes or until surface is crisp and golden. Cool completely. (Topping rises during baking and shrinks during cooling, forming custard-like layer.)

6. STEP 6

   Combine powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract in bowl until well mixed. Add enough milk for desired glazing consistency.

7. STEP 7

   Drizzle glaze over puff; sprinkle with almonds.

Read the Story Behind the Recipe