Banket

My sister did our family a favor by marring a man with Dutch heritage. Dutch men sure can bake! Banket is a sweet almond pastry served most often during the holidays. After my sister had her third baby a couple weeks ago, my brother in law made bunch of this banket and kept it around for family coming to meet the new baby. Banket travels well, so it’s great to give as a gift.

Ingredients:

Crust:

1 cup salted butter, softened

1/4 teaspoon brown sugar

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup cold water (or less)

Filling:

1 cup almond paste (not marzipan!)

1 cup sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons corn starch

Preparation:

First, prepare the crust. Using a food processor fitted with the dough blade, mix together the first three ingredients listed. Add the water slowly, but only enough so that the dough isn’t too wet, but sticks together easily. Divide dough into four equal parts, cover using an airtight container (or put saran wrap over a bowl) for at least 20 minutes and up to 24 hours. The dough has to be cooled so that it’s not too sticky. Make sure to use plenty of flour to prevent stickiness.

Prepare the filling at this time as well. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients for the filling together with a wooden spoon until well combined. Divide into four equal parts, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 24 hours.

Once the dough and filling are finished chilling, it’s time to assemble.

Preheat oven to 350°. Roll one piece of the dough into a 12″ x 4″ rectangle and set aside. Using your hands, roll one piece of the filling into a “snake,” and place in the middle of the rolled out dough. Seal edges of the dough around the filling.

Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Using a fork, prick the top of the banket to make air holes. Whip one egg white and lightly brush the dough.

Bake for 30 minutes. Once removed from the oven, cut off any spillage and reshape gently with a spatula if needed. Allow banket to cool on the cookie sheet.

Store in an airtight container. If you’re giving these as gifts, use saran wrap to secure each banket stick to a cardboard base that is wrapped in aluminum foil.

Makes 4 sticks.