Swedish Almond Toasts Recipes

SWEDISH TOSCAS (SWEDISH ALMOND TARTS)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Cream the butter with the white sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix in 1 cup flour and stir to make a smooth dough. Divide the mixture by placing even amounts into the cups of a 12-cup muffin tin. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of each cup.
• To make the filling, mix the slivered almonds, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons butter in a small pan. Stir in the cream, and 2 teaspoons flour. Cook and stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until it boils, about 10 minutes. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared tart shells.
• Bake in preheated oven until tops and crust edges are light brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, and cool 10 to 15 minutes before removing the tarts from the muffin pan. Cool completely on a rack.

SWEDISH GROUND ALMOND SPRITZ COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the almonds out on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned or until they give off an aroma. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool completely. Grind to a consistency resembling rough sand in a food processor or blender. Be sure almonds are cool, or you will make almond butter.
• In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the almond extract and milk. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt, and mix in along with the ground toasted almonds to form a soft dough. Refrigerate the dough for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help the cookies keep their shape after pressing.
• Lightly grease cookie sheets, and fill cookie press with dough. Press out cookies at least 1 inch apart depending on the size. You can experiment with different cookie designs. I've found most true Swedes tend to use the star shape, however, you're free to use whatever shape suits your fancy.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on the cookie sheets for a minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

ALMOND TOAST

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper (do not grease).
• Whip whites and salt until foamy, then gradually pour in sugar. Continue whipping until whites hold a stiff peak. Fold in sifted flour and fold in almonds. Scrape meringue into prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes, until top is richly browned. Allow to cool, then wrap and freeze overnight. (Makes about 24 toasts).
• Preheat oven to 175 degrees F. and line a baking tray with parchment. Using a serrated knife, slice thin slices of loaf, about 1/4 inch thick or less and place on a baking sheet. Bake until dry and crisp, but not browned, 20 to 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

SWEDISH ALMOND TOASTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350F and lightly butter and flour a large baking sheet.
• Stir the eggs, instant coffee, and vanilla in a small bowl until well blended, set aside.
• Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl, set aside.
• Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg mixture.
• Gradually add the flour mixture, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the almonds.
• Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
• On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into 2 logs, each 8 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick.
• Place the 2 logs 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly browned.
• Set the baking sheet on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.
• Remove the logs from the baking sheet and place on a cutting board.
• Using a serrated knife, cut each log diagonally into 3/4 inch thick slices.
• Place the slices upright and 1/2 inch apart on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until slightly dry.
• Remove the toasts from the baking sheet.
• Cool completely on the wire rack.
• Store in a tightly covered container.