Banket (Dutch almond dessert pastry)

Banket recipe:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup butter

1/2 cup water

11/2 cups almond paste

2 eggs

¾ cup white sugar

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 pinch salt

1 egg white, beaten

Preparation

    In a large bowl, cut cold butter or margarine into flour until the mixture has a crumb-like texture. Make a well in the center, add cold water. Mix together until the mixture forms a ball. Do not overmix. Chill dough.

    Preheat oven to 450 F. Grease cookie sheets.

    In a medium bowl, blend together almond paste, eggs, sugar, almond extract and salt.

    Divide dough in 4 parts, and roll into 15 inch strips. Place filling along the center of each long strip of dough. Roll up, and pinch the ends to seal. Place strips 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Brush with egg white, and sprinkle lightly with white sugar.

    Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden.