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Prep Time: 50 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes |
Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 48 |
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I always bake these Rainbow Cookies two weeks ahead. That allows them enough time to mellow, leaving them moist and full of almond flavor! Ingredients:
1 can (8 ounces) almond paste |
1 cup butter, softened |
1 cup sugar |
4 eggs, separated |
2 cups king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour |
6 to 8 drops red food coloring |
6 to 8 drops green food coloring |
1/4 cup seedless red raspberry jam |
1/4 cup apricot preserves |
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips |
Directions:
1. Grease the bottoms of three matching 13-in. x 9-in. baking pans (or reuse one pan). Line the pans with waxed paper; grease the paper.
2. Place almond paste in a large bowl; break up with a fork. Cream with butter, sugar and egg yolks until light and fluffy. Stir in flour. In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold into dough, mixing until thoroughly blended.
3. Divide dough into three portions (about 1-1/3 cups each). Color one portion with red food coloring and one with green; leave the remaining portion uncolored. Spread each portion into the prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.
4. Invert onto wire racks; remove waxed paper. Place another wire rack on top and turn over. Cool completely.
5. Place green layer on a large piece of plastic wrap. Spread evenly with raspberry jam. Top with uncolored layer and spread with apricot jam. Top with pink layer. Bring plastic wrap over layers. Slide onto a baking sheet and set a cutting board or heavy, flat pan on top to compress layers. Refrigerate overnight.
6. The next day, melt chocolate in a microwave; stir until smooth. Spread over top layer; allow to harden. With a sharp knife, trim edges. Cut into 1/2-in. strips across the width; then cut each strip into 4-5 pieces. Store in airtight containers. Yield: about 8 dozen.
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