Almond Puff Pastry

Sadly this is all that's left...so not a very good picture.Happily this is all that's left...my family loved it.

I couldn't find the recipe that my mother used (but my sister is going to send it to me) This one seemed close enough so I used it.

Almond Puff Danish Pastry
source: www.finedinings.com

Ingredients

Pastry
1/2 cup cold butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ice water

Topping
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 eggs

Icing
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 to 2 tablespoons warm water
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted and chopped, garnish



Directions

Make the pastry
In a bowl, cut the butter into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. sprinkle ice water over the mixture, blend just until dough comes together. Divide in half, shape into two 12-in. x 3-in. strips 3 inches apart on an un-greased baking sheet. Set aside.

Make the topping
In a large saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Add the flour all at once stirring until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; add the almond extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. Spread over the two prepared strips covering them completely. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour or until puffed and golden brown. Cool on a rack.

Make the icing
In a small bowl combine the powdered sugar, butter, almond extract and enough warm water to achieve spreading consistency.

Spread over the cooled puff pastry. Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds. Cut into one inch strips and serve.