Bonket (Dutch Almond Pastry)

Ingredients

Crust

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Almond Layer

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond flavoring
• 3/4 cup pure almond paste, cut into very small pieces
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (or more if desired)

Topping

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• water, to thin

Directions

1. 1

   Crust:.

2. 2

   Cream butter and sugar; stir in egg and vanilla.

3. 3

   Add flour and salt.

4. 4

   Press into 9x13" pan.

5. 5

   Almond Layer:.

6. 6

   Beat eggs with sugar; add butter, almond paste and flavoring.

7. 7

   Mix until as smooth as possible. (Almond paste is difficult to break down.).

8. 8

   Pour over bottom layer.

9. 9

   Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

10. 10

    Bake about 25 minutes at 325 until firm and slightly browned.

11. 11

    Topping:.

12. 12

    Sift sugar and mix in salt.

13. 13

    Add just enough water to thin to a pourable consistency.

14. 14

    Drizzle topping over bonket while still hot.

15. 15

    Cool completely before cutting into squares.