Marzipan Bars

 

Came across a recipe for "Dutch Letter Bars".  Sounded really good for a treat.  Like "Marzipan".  So I modified it, renamed it and cut down on the butter and sugar and added vanilla and almond flavor.  Warning--they are really sweet and rich and totally addicting.

• 3/4 cup butter, room temperature (very important) I think even 1/2 c would work.
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar (or even 1 cup would work)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp almond flavor
•  1 cup blended but not quite powder almonds (the original called for almond paste)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch pan with butter (you can also use a 9x13-inch pan for thinner bars) .
• Add butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl and mix for 3-4 minutes until light and airy. Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by the blended almonds.
• Add flour and mix with a large spoon until just combined and no dry spots remain.
• Spoon dough into the prepared pan and spread to edges.  
• Bake for 45 minutes if using the 9x9-inch pan or 35 minutes if using a 9x13-inch pan. Top should be golden when fully baked.