Italian Christmas Bars

Ingredients

  • 2 c. flour
  • 1/4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 1/4 c. butter softened
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 – 7 oz. package almond paste
  • 1 tsp. almond extract
  • 3 eggs
  • green and red gel food paste
  • 1 c. seedless raspberry jam
  • 1 – 12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 c. heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick spray.
  2. In a small bowl, mix flour and baking powder until well-combined.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, almond paste, and almond extract at medium speed for 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until well-blended.
  5. Beat in flour mixture.
  6. Divide the batter evenly into thirds. Spread one portion of the batter thinly and evenly in the prepared pan. Freeze the pan for 5 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, mix green food coloring into a second portion of the batter. Gently spread over batter in the pan. Freeze the pan for 5 minutes.
  8. Meanwhile, mix red food coloring into the third portion of the batter. Gently spread over the green batter in the pan.
  9. Bake at 350 degrees for 24-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
  10. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  11. Place jam in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15-25 seconds, or until slightly thinned.
  12. Spread jam evenly over bars.
  13. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate and heavy cream. Whisk gently until smooth.
  14. Spread chocolate ganache over the jam layer.
  15. Allow chocolate to set. Cut into bars.

Related Articles

Back to top button