Last week, my friend Allison made these bars for the teacher appreciation lunch we held for our teachers. Those that were helping got to try a sample, and everyone quickly requested the recipe.

This was actually my first time making a dessert that called for almond paste and almond extract. I was glad she told me that I could find the almond paste in a can (the brand was Solo) in the grocery aisle next to all the other cans of pie filling like cherry, apple, or blueberry.

Then, I went to look for the almond extract, which was located with all the other spices and extracts. I was quite surprised at how expensive the almond extract was and decided not to purchase it because I knew I wouldn’t be making many recipes that required it. So, when I did make the glaze as listed below, I substituted 1 tsp. vanilla extract (which I had on hand and use all the time) for the ½ tsp. almond extract. I thought it turned out just fine.

I made a batch of these for Mother’s Day. They are very easy to make, and everyone really liked them.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup soft butter

8 oz. can almond paste

1 ¾ cup sugar

½ tsp. salt

2 cups flour

2 eggs

½ cup almonds chopped (optional) or decorate with sliced almonds on the top

Mix the butter, almond paste, eggs, and sugar.

Add the flour and salt.

Spread into a greased 9 x 13 pan and bake at 325 F. for 35 -40 minutes.

Glaze

½ cup powdered sugar (or a little more if too thin)

½ tsp. almond extract (I used 1 tsp. vanilla extract)

3 TBSP. milk

Pour over bars while hot. Enjoy!