Marzipan Squares

Name: Marzipan Squares
Ingredients: 1 cup blanched almonds; 1 cup confectioners' sugar, divided; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon light corn syrup; 1 tablespoon egg white; 1/4 cup spiced rum or brandy; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 4 large eggs; 3 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup ground almonds; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sliced almonds; 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

18 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

1 cup blanched almonds
1 cup confectioners' sugar, divided
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
1 tablespoon egg white
1/4 cup spiced rum or brandy
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

Directions

1

For marzipan, place almonds and 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Add the extract, corn syrup and remaining confectioners' sugar; cover and process for 1 minute. Add egg white; process until mixture forms a ball. Remove and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
2

Meanwhile, in a microwave, heat rum on high until it begins to boil, about 30 seconds. Stir in cranberries; set aside.
3

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts. Combine the flour, ground almonds, baking powder and salt. Stir into creamed mixture just until combined. Chop marzipan into 1/4-in. pieces; add marzipan, rum mixture and almonds to creamed mixture.
4

Spread into a greased
5

. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar.