ALMOND CREAM FILLING

Almond Cream Filling image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes enough for 6 napoleons

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 cups half-and-half
2 tablespoons almond paste
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, cut into small pieces
1 cup heavy cream

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.