Cherry Almond Crispy Squares Recipes

CHERRY ALMOND CRISP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Start with the crumb mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.
• Cut the cold butter into pieces. Add the butter to the bowl and use a fork or pastry blender to cut it into the flour mixture. The mixture should resemble a moist, coarse meal. Add the slivered almonds and combine thoroughly.
• Place the still-frozen cherries in a bowl, add the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch and almond extract and gently stir the cherries to combine.
• Divide the cherries between 8 ramekins (about 1/2 cup each). Top with the crumb mixture, evening out the surface.
• Bake until the topping is crisp and golden brown, about 45 minutes. If the topping appears underdone, continue baking in 10 minute increments until it's done.
• To serve: Add the heavy cream and granulated sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whip. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
• Serve the individual crisps warm or at room temperature with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

CHERRY-ALMOND BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Drain cherries, reserving juice for Almond-Cherry Glaze. Chop cherries; set aside. In medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, the butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar with spoon. Press in ungreased square pan, 9x9x2 inches. Bake about 10 minutes or until set.
• In medium bowl, beat eggs with fork. Stir in cherries and all remaining Bar ingredients. Spread over baked layer.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, mix all Almond-Cherry Glaze ingredients until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle cooled bars with glaze. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 2 rows. Cut each bar diagonally in half to form triangles.