Best Almond Filling Recipes

HOW TO MAKE ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• 1. Once you've blanched the almonds they will need to be dried. I place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in an oven with just the heat of the pilot light. If you have an electric oven, heat oven on low and then turn off the oven, then place the almonds on the try in. Leave the door open. Leave them, but turn them over to dry all sides. Ingredients 1 cup blanched almonds 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted) 2 tablespoons organic or European unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or almond oil 1 large egg whites, lightly beaten Directions Put almonds, sugar and butter into food processor. Process until almonds are finely ground, scraping bowl as necessary. Add almond extract and 2 Tbl of the beaten egg white. Process until mixed. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator until needed (up to 1 week). Bring to room temperature before using.

BEST CLASSIC WHITE LAYER CAKE WITH RASPBERRY-ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• For the Cake: Set oven rack in middle position. (If oven is too small to cook both layers on a single rack, set racks in upper-middle and lower-middle positions.) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray; line the bottoms with parchment or waxed paper rounds. Spray the paper rounds, dust the pans with flour, and invert pans and rap sharply to remove excess flour.
• Pour milk, egg whites, and extracts into 2-cup glass measure, and mix with fork until blended.
• Mix cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in bowl of electric mixer at slow speed. Add butter; continue beating at slow speed until mixture resembles moist crumbs, with no powdery streaks remaining.
• Add all but 1/2 cup of milk mixture to crumbs and beat at medium speed (or high speed if using handheld mixer) for 1 1/2 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup of milk mixture and beat 30 seconds more. Stop mixer and scrape sides of bowl. Return mixer to medium (or high) speed and beat 20 seconds longer.
• Divide batter evenly between two prepared cake pans; using rubber spatula, spread batter to pan walls and smooth tops. Arrange pans at least 3 inches from the oven walls and 3 inches apart. (If oven is small, place pans on separate racks in staggered fashion to allow for air circulation.) Bake until thin skewer or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 23 to 25 minutes.
• Let cakes rest in pans for 3 minutes. Loosen from sides of pans with a knife, if necessary, and invert onto wire racks. Reinvert onto additional wire racks. Let cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
• For the Frosting: Beat butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt in bowl of electric mixer at slow speed until sugar is moistened. Increase speed to medium-high (high if using handheld mixer); beat, stopping twice to scrape down bowl, until creamy and fluffy, about 1 1/2 minutes. Avoid overbeating, or frosting will be too soft to pipe.
• For the Filling: Before assembling cake, set aside 3/4 cup of the frosting for decoration. Spread small dab of frosting in center of cake plate to anchor cake, and set down one cake layer. Combine 1/2 cup of remaining frosting with almonds in small bowl and spread over first layer. Carefully spread jam on top, then cover with second cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of assembled cake. Pipe reserved frosting around perimeter of cake at the base and the top. Cut the cake into slices and serve.

ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in saucepan. In a separate bowl beat eggs and mix together with milk. Stir into dry mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbling. Cook for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat, add almond liqueur and stir well. Cover surface of filling with plastic wrap to prevent film from forming and chill completely before using.

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CARAMEL-COCONUT-ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• For Cake:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Line bottoms with waxed paper. Butter waxed paper. Combine chocolate, 1 cup water and espresso powder in heavy small saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Cool completely, stirring occasionally.
• Using electric mixer, beat brown sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add chocolate mixture and vanilla and beat until blended. Sift four, baking soda, baking powder and salt into medium bowl. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture alternately with sour cream in 3 additions, beginning with dry ingredients and beating well after each addition.
• Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on racks 10 minutes. Using small knife, cut around sides of pans to loosen cakes. Turn cakes out onto racks. Remove waxed paper; cool completely.
• For filling:
• Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and boil without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Carefully add cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Place pan over medium low heat and stir until caramel bits melt, about 5 minutes. Stir in coconut and 1 cup almonds. Cool filling until thick enough to spread, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.
• For Frosting:
• Melt butter and chocolate in heavy small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Transfer to large bowl. Stir in vanilla. Whisk in 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup sour cream. Whisk in remaining powdered sugar and sour cream.
• Place 1 cake layer on platter. Spread half of filling evenly over top, leaving 1/2-inch border. Top with second cake layer. Spread with remaining filling, leaving 1/2-inch boarder. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread frosting over sides and top of cake. Press 2 cups sliced almonds onto sides of cake. Using pastry spatula, swirl frosting on top of cake decoratively. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome; store at room temperature.)

DANISH - ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• Put almonds, sugar and butter into food processor.
• Process until almonds are finely ground, scraping bowl as necessary.
• Add almond extract and 2 Tbl of the beaten egg white.
• Process until mixed.
• Stor in airtight container in the refrigerator until needed (up to 1 week).
• Bring to room temperature before using.

ALMOND CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE, GANACHE AND FRESH STRAWBERRY FILLING, VANILLA BUTTERCREAM ICING AND PINK POURED FONDANT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Prepare two 16-inch cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fixed with the paddle attachment, add the liquid shortening, inverted sugar and vanilla. Then add the cake flour, granulated sugar, milk powder, baking powder, sea salt and cream of tartar. Mix on speed 1 for 1 minute. Then add half of the egg whites and mix on speed 1 for 3 minutes.
• Add the remaining egg whites and mix on speed 1 for 1 minute. Then mix on speed 3 for 3 minutes. Stop the mixer, scrape the bowl, and add the whole eggs, water and almond extract. Mix on speed 1 for 1 minute. Then on speed 3 for 3 minutes. Lastly, mix on speed 1 for 10 minutes.
• Fill the cake pans two-thirds full and bake until golden and a tester such as a toothpick comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely.
• To assemble the cake: Torte the cooled cakes (level and split them horizontally into 2 layers each). Generously spread a layer of the Ganache on the first layer of cake, then a generous layer of Cream Cheese Filling. Layer some fresh strawberries on top of the Cream Cheese Filling. Repeat with the next 2 cake layers. Top with the last cake layer and ice the cake smooth with the Vanilla Buttercream Icing. Lastly, pour a thin layer of Pink Poured Fondant over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
• In a microwave-safe glass bowl, heat the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring between each intervals. Add the cream and mix with a spatula until smooth. Let cool.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the shortening and cream cheese until smooth. Then add the confectioners' sugar, sea salt, vanilla and butter emulsion. Mix it all on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the shortening until smooth. Then add the confectioners' sugar, sea salt, vanilla and butter emulsion.
• Mix it all on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the confectioners' sugar, then the water, corn syrup, almond extract, vanilla, liquid whitener and food coloring. Mix it all on medium speed until smooth, about 10 minutes. Yield: enough for one 16-inch layer cake.

ALMOND TORTE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment; butter parchment. In a food processor, process almonds and sugar to a powder. Sift together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In an electric mixer, beat 2 eggs with almond-sugar mixture on low speed until blended, about 1 minute. Add remaining eggs, one at a time, beating on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes and scraping down sides of bowl after each egg. Beat in liqueur.
• Sprinkle cornstarch mixture over egg mixture; fold in. Fold in melted butter. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 15 minutes, rotate pans between oven shelves, and bake until cake tester inserted in the center of a cake comes out clean, 15 to 17 more minutes. Line two wire racks with parchment; spray paper with cooking spray. Turn cakes out of pans to cool on parchment-lined cooling racks for 45 minutes.
• In a small saucepan, warm jam over low heat, stirring occasionally. Spread warm jam on one cake layer; top with second layer, and dust with confectioners' sugar. Decorate with marzipan if desired.

ALMOND CUSTARD FILLING

Steps:

• Mix nonfat dry milk, cornstarch, and sugar together in a medium sized saucepan. Stir in a mixture of water and egg yolks gradually, until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and smooth. Continue to cook while stirring over low heat for one minute longer. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract. Allow custard to cool before using.

FRENCH VANILLA CAKE/W STRAWBERRY GLAZE FILLING AND ALMOND ICING

Steps:

• 1. Add Oil,eggs,water,and extract to your mixing bowl. Pour cake mix and instant pudding, blend together until well blended.
• Pour into 2 8" round cake pans,(greased or sprayed)
• Bake on 325 for 30-35 mins,until knife comes out clean.
• cool cake completely before Icing
• TO MAKE ICING: start with criso stick in mixing bowl,add 1/2 of the powdered sugar, and 1/2 of the water,start mixing slowly, then speed up as it blends together, add the rest of the powdered sugar,and the water(if needed) and the extract, and blend well. Your icing may be thick, if too thick, and water by the tablespoons to get the thickness you want.
• To icing cake: Place 1 layer on plate,spoon glaze on bottom layer,but not to the edge.
• place next layer on top,and icing whole cake with Almond icing.
• NOTE: Sometimes I put glaze on top of the top layer,and pipe stars around the edge of top. You can also use a plastic bag and snip the corner, and squeeze small monds of icing around the edge, pretty!

CLASSIC WHITE LAYER CAKE WITH BUTTER FROSTING AND RASPBERRY ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• 1. Set oven rack in middle position and pre-heat to 350. 2. Spray 2 9-inch cake pans with non-stick spray, place parchment rounds on bottom of pans, spray parchment rounds, and dust whole pans with flour, tapping out excess (I used non-stick spray with flour) 3. Pour milk, egg whites, and extracts in 2-cup measure, mix with fork until blended 4. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in bowl of electric mixer at slow speed. Add butter, continue beating at slow speed until mixture resembles moist crumbs. 5. Add all but 1/2 Cup of milk mixture and beat at medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 Cup of milk mixture and beat 30 seconds more. Scrape down sides and beat another 20 seconds on medium. 6. Divide batter evenly between 2 pans, making sure batter is spread to sides and top is smooth. Arrange pans at least 3 inches apart and bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 23-25 minutes 7. Let the cakes rest 3 minutes, loosen cake from sides of pan if necessary and invert onto wire racks. Reinvert and let cool completely, about 1 1/2 hour. 8. For the Frosting: Beat butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt in bowl of electric mixer at slow speed until sugar is moistened. Increase speed to medium-high, beat, stopping twice to scrape down bowl, until creamy and fluffy, about 1 1/2 minutes. Avoid overbeating 9. For the Filling: Combine 1/2 cup of frosting with the toasted chopped almonds and spread over the first layer. Carefully spread the jam on top, then cover with second cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of assembled cake. If enough frosting left over, pipe around perimeter of cake at base and top. 10. Coat sides of cake with toasted sliced almonds and top cake with fresh raspberries.

ALMOND CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. spray two 9 inch cake pans with non stick coating ( I use Pam baking spray)
• 2. Beat together the almond paste and eggs until smooth, don't worry about small granules of the almond paste they melt away during baking
• 3. add cake mix, water and oil to the almond mixture and beat for 2 minutes or until smooth.
• 4. divide batter evenly between the two cake pans. bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. cool and remove from pans
• 5. place one layer on a serving plate and spread the preserves to within one inch of the edge, top with remaining layer and frost with desired frosting.

CHOCOLATE BLINTZES WITH CHOCOLATE WHIPPED RICOTTA-ALMOND FILLING AND WARM CHERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• For the ricotta filling: Whisk together the ricotta, powdered sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Fold in the chocolate and almonds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.
• For the blintzes: Whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale. Whisk in the milk and butter. Sift the flour, cocoa powder and salt onto a piece of waxed paper. Add the sifted ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter. Ladle a scant 1/4 cup batter into the skillet. Tilt to swirl the batter so it covers the bottom of the skillet. Cook on one side until small air bubbles form, the top is set and the bottom is golden brown. When done, carefully loosen the edges of the crepe, flip over and cook for 30 seconds longer. Slip out of the skillet onto a plate. Butter the skillet as needed and repeat until all the batter is used.
• Turn each crepe so the golden brown side is up. Place 3 tablespoons ricotta filling in the middle in a 3 by 2-inch-wide mound. Roll once to cover the filling. Fold the sides into the center and continue rolling until completely closed. Repeat with the remaining crepes. You may have leftover filling; don't overfill.
• Serve 2 blintzes per plate. Spoon some of the Warm Cherry Sauce over, sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with mint sprigs.
• Combined the reserved cherry juice, kirsch and enough cold water to measure one total cup of liquid.
• Whisk together the sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan until no lumps remain. Gradually whisk in the cherry juice mixture and cook over high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Add the cherries and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes, remove from heat and add the lemon juice and almond extract. Serve hot or warm.

ALMOND CAKE WITH FIG FILLING AND MAPLE BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 24 count regular-size cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
• In a heavy-duty mixing bowl, cream together the butter and shortening on medium speed. Add the eggs, 1 at a time until, completely combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the superfine sugar with the mixer set to low speed. Once combined, set the mixer to medium speed and mix for 5 minutes.
• Sift together the cake flour, almond flour, salt, and baking powder. Begin to add the sifted dry ingredients to the batter, alternating with the warm milk. Fold in the sliced almonds.
• Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds of the way and bake for 16 to 20 minutes. Use a toothpick to poke in the center of the cupcake and if it comes out clean then the cupcakes are done. Remove from the pan and place onto a tray to cool.
• Once the cupcakes are cooled, fill the center of the cupcakes with 1 tablespoon Fig Filling. Using a pastry bag and piping tip, frost the cupcakes with the Maple Buttercream. Pat the sides of the buttercream with the toasted almonds.
• Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend for 1 minute. Once blended, move the mixture into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until thick, about 2 minutes. Mix well after microwaving.
• In a heavy-duty mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add 3 cups powdered sugar and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and pour in the non-dairy whipping cream. Mix on low speed until completely mixed. Add the remaining 4 cups powdered sugar. Fold in the maple syrup.

CARROT TART WITH RICOTTA AND ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, cook carrots, orange juice, 4 Tbsp. butter, 1 Tbsp. sugar, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. vinegar, 1/4 tsp. allspice, and 1 1/2 cups water in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, 10-12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer carrots to a plate, reserving liquid in skillet, and let cool.
• Transfer 1/4 cup almonds to a small bowl; set aside. Process 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and remaining almonds, 1 Tbsp. sugar and 1/4 tsp. allspice in a food processor until finely chopped. Add eggs, ricotta, thyme, orange zest, and remaining 4 Tbsp. butter and process until smooth.
• Gently roll pastry to an 18x13" rectangle on a lightly floured sheet of parchment. Transfer with parchment to a rimmed baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1/2" border around pastry (for a decorative border, make small shallow diagonal cuts within that border).
• Spread egg mixture evenly within border of pastry, then arrange carrots over in a geometric pattern. To create a chevron (zigzag) pattern, form 6 carrots into 3 even "V" shapes so points are touching the long border of the crust. Fill with additional rows of "V" shapes, cutting carrots to fit as needed.
• Bake tart until filling is puffed and golden brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, heat reserved carrot-cooking liquid in skillet over high; cook, stirring, until reduced to a thick syrup, about 10 minutes. Brush top of tart with syrup while still warm. Cut into 12-16 pieces.
• Whisk oil and remaining 1 tsp. vinegar, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl. Add shallot, carrot tops, and reserved almonds and toss to combine. Arrange over tart to serve.

ALMOND CREAM FILLING

Steps:

• Bring 2 cups half-and-half, the almond paste, sugar, salt, and cornstarch to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Whisk egg yolks, extract, and remaining 1/2 cup half-and-half in a medium bowl; add one-third of the hot half-and-half mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly. Pour into saucepan.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking, until mixture coats the back of a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl set in ice-water bath. Stir in butter, several pieces at a time. Let cool completely, stirring occasionally.
• Put cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed just until stiff peaks form. Fold into custard.

SWEDISH BAKED APPLES WITH ALMOND PASTE FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 F / 180 C /gas mark 4.
• Peel the apples and carefully core them almost to the bottom.
• Brush apples with melted butter, then roll them in the breadcrumbs; place onto a shallow oven proof dish.
• Fill the centres of the apples with almond paste; if you have any butter and breadcrumbs left over, drizzle the butter and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the apples.
• Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until apples are soft.

CANNOLI WITH TANGERINE-ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• For the shells: Combine the flour, cinnamon, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Work in the lard and slowly add the marsala. Knead together with fingers until the dough comes together. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Form the dough into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
• Set the smooth rollers of a pasta maker at the widest setting. Unwrap the dough and cut in half. Lightly flour 1 half (keep the remaining half covered with plastic wrap). Flatten the floured dough into an oval and feed through the rollers. Turn the dial down 2 notches and feed the dough through the rollers again. Fold the dough back to its original oval shape and repeat the process of putting the dough through the pasta rollers. Continue to feed the dough through the rollers, making the space between the rollers narrower by 2 notches each time, until the dough reaches a thickness of roughly 1/8 inch.
• Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Transfer the rolled dough to a lightly floured surface and cut out 4 or 5 rounds with a floured 4-inch round cutter. Transfer the rounds to a baking sheet and keep covered with more plastic wrap. Roll out the remaining dough and cut rounds in the same manner. Gather the scraps and let stand 10 minutes. Roll out the scraps and cut in the same manner.
• Heat several inches of oil in a large Dutch oven until it registers 350 degrees F. Lightly spray the cannoli tubes with nonstick spray.
• Brush the bottom edge of 1 dough round with the egg white. Wrap the dough around a tube, overlapping the ends (egg white edge should go on top), and then press the edges together to seal. Make 5 more shells in the same manner (keep remaining rounds covered with plastic).
• Fry the dough on the tubes one at a time, turning with metal tongs, until it is one shade darker, about 45 seconds. Wearing oven mitts, clamp the end of the hot tubes with tongs, 1 at a time, and, holding the tube vertically, allow the shell to slide off the tube onto paper towels, gently shaking the tube and wiggling the shell as needed to loosen. (If you allow the shell to cool it will stick to the tube and shatter when you try to remove it.) Transfer the shells to paper towels to drain and cool the tubes before reusing. Wrap the remaining dough around the tubes and fry in the same manner.
• For the filling: Combine the heavy cream and tangerine zest in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
• Combine the sugar and tangerine juice in a medium saucepan and cook until deep amber colored. Slowly whisk in the cream mixture and cook until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and let cool and thicken slightly.
• Combine the drained ricotta and cream cheese in the bowl of a mixer, add a few tablespoons of confectioners' sugar to sweeten, and beat until light and fluffy. Fold in the tangerine caramel sauce.
• Fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and fill the cannoli shells. Dip the ends in the almonds and chocolate and dust with confectioners' sugar.

APPLE TART WITH FRANGIPANE (ALMOND) FILLING

Steps:

• To make frangipane: combine almonds and ¼ cup sugar in food processor and grind into a powder.
• Add 2 tblsps butter, vanilla, rum and egg and process thoroughly.
• On a floured surface, roll pate brisee into a very thin circle (about 1/16 of an inch thick).
• Brush top of dough lightly to remove flour, roll up on rolling pin and unroll over 10 inch flan ring set on top of a baking sheet.
• Lift up overhanging dough and press into position so that dough adheres well inside ring without being stretched.
• Press rolling pin across top of ring to cut away excess dough.
• Spread frangipane on dough.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Peel apples, cut in half, core, and cut into ¼ inch thick slices.
• Set aside the larger center pieces of apple.
• Coarsely chop end pieces (about 2 cups) and spread over frangipane.
• Arrange apple slices in concentric circles over chopped apples.
• Sprinkle top with 1 tblsp sugar and dot with butter.
• Bake for 1 hour.
• Remove ring and slide tart carefully onto serving platter while still hot.
• Cool slightly.
• Heat preserves, stirring constantly, over low heat.
• Push through a fine sieve.
• Add Calvados and combine.
• Using a pastry brush, spread glaze over tart, thickly.
• Cut into wedges and serve at room temperature.
• Nice with a dollop of crème fraiche (in my recipes) or whipped cream.

PRALINE NAPOLEONS WITH ALMOND CREAM FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place pastry on a lightly floured work surface. Roll out to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out twelve 4 1/2-by-2 3/4 inch rectangles; transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and prick with a fork. Brush with egg, and cover with parchment. Top with a baking sheet. Chill in freezer until firm, about 15 minutes.
• With top sheet still in place, bake until pastry is crisp and golden, 30 to 32 minutes. Remove top sheet and parchment. Let pastry cool completely on bottom parchment on a wire rack.
• Meanwhile, line a rimmed baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat. Stir together sugar, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, without stirring, until sugar begins to melt and turn light amber, about 3 minutes. Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush as needed to prevent crystals from forming. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture turns dark amber, about 8 minutes.
• Remove from heat; stir in almonds. Pour mixture onto prepared sheet. Using an oiled offset spatula, spread to 1/8 inch thick. Let cool completely. Transfer half of the praline to a plastic bag; using a rolling pin, gently crush into very small pieces; set aside. Break remaining praline into large pieces using your hands.
• Transfer the almond cream filling to a pastry bag fitted with a petal tip (such as Wilton #127). Pipe filling onto 6 pastry rectangles; sprinkle each with crushed praline. Layer with another pastry rectangle and filling. Top each with a piece of praline.

ALMOND MERINGUE TORTE WITH LEMON AND STRAWBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Position racks in top third and bottom third of oven and preheat to 300°F. Using 9-inch tart pan bottom as guide, trace a circle on each of 2 sheets of parchment paper. Place papers, marked side down, on baking sheets.
• Blend 1/4 cup sugar, whole almonds and cornstarch in processor until nuts are finely ground. {Step One} Using electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt in large bowl until soft peaks form. Add remaining 3/4 cup sugar by tablespoonfuls, beating until meringue is stiff and glossy. Fold almond mixture into meringue.
• {Step Two} Spoon meringue into large pastry bag fitted with 1/2-inch-diameter plain tip. {Step Three} Starting in center of 1 circle marked on parchment and holding tip just above paper, pipe meringue in continuous spiral to fill circle completely. Repeat with remaining circle and meringue, forming 2 rounds.
• Bake meringues until pale golden and just firm to touch, about 30 minutes, switching position of pans after 20 minutes. Cool on pans on racks.
• Combine sugar, egg whites and salt in large stainless steel bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water); whisk constantly until thermometer registers 135°F, about 5 minutes; remove from over water. Using electric mixer, beat until firm peaks form and mixture is completely cool, about 6 minutes. Beat in butter, 1 piece at a time. Gradually beat in lemon juice. (If buttercream appears curdled, place bowl over low heat for several seconds. Remove from heat; beat until smooth. Repeat warming and beating as necessary.) Whisk cream to firm peaks; whisk into buttercream.
• Peel parchment off meringues. Using 9-inch tart pan bottom as guide, trim meringues. Place dabs of buttercream on tart pan bottom; top with 1 meringue. Spread 3/4 cup buttercream over meringue; top with strawberry slices. Spread 3/4 cup buttercream over berry slices. Top with second meringue. Spread remaining buttercream over top and sides of torte. Press sliced almonds into buttercream. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before continuing.)
• Cut reserved whole strawberries into quarters. Arrange atop torte.